November 5
Thursday, week 31 in Ordinary Time
Year II
Today is a ferial day in the Catholic liturgical calendar, meaning there is no specific saint or feast assigned for celebration. The term “feria” comes from the Latin meaning a weekday with no major feast, and it is an opportunity for the faithful to continue the daily rhythm of prayer and work within Ordinary Time. The liturgical color is green, symbolizing hope and the ongoing growth in faith and daily discipleship. Ordinary Time in the Church’s year focuses on the teachings of Christ and living out the gospel in everyday life.
On ferial days, the Liturgy of the Word draws from the sequential readings of scripture, inviting deeper reflection on the message of Christ and the life of the Church. While not marked by special rituals or festivities, these days encourage quiet fidelity, humble service, and the ongoing conversion of heart. The Church reminds us that sanctity is not reserved for grand occasions, but is found first and foremost in faithfulness to God in daily living. Ferial days offer an invaluable space for spiritual growth and renewal, allowing each person to encounter God’s presence in ordinary circumstances.
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Questions about Thursday, week 31 in Ordinary Time (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingPh 3, 3-8a
Brothers,
it is we who are the true circumcised,
we who worship by the Spirit of God,
we who place our pride in Christ Jesus
and who do not put our trust in what is of the flesh.
Yet I myself could have reasons
to place my trust in the flesh.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to do so,
I have even more:
circumcised on the eighth day,
of the race of Israel,
of the tribe of Benjamin,
Hebrew, son of Hebrews;
regarding observance of the law of Moses, I was a Pharisee;
as for zeal, I was a persecutor of the Church;
for the righteousness that comes from the Law, I had become blameless.
But all these advantages I had,
I have considered them, because of Christ, as a loss.
Yes, I consider all that as a loss
because of something far superior:
the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 104 (105), 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Sing and make music for him,
recount his wonders endlessly;
glory in his most holy name:
joy for the hearts that seek God!
Seek the Lord and his strength,
search constantly for his face;
remember the wonders he has done,
his marvels and the judgments he pronounced.
You, offspring of Abraham his servant,
children of Jacob, whom he has chosen,
the Lord, he is our God:
his judgments rule over the universe.
GospelLc 15, 1-10
At that time,
the tax collectors and sinners
were all coming to Jesus to listen to him.
The Pharisees and the scribes muttered against him, saying:
"This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them!"
So Jesus told them this parable:
"If one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them,
does he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert
to go after the one that is lost
until he finds it?
When he has found it,
he lifts it onto his shoulders, all joyful,
and, returning home, he gathers his friends and neighbors
to tell them:
'Rejoice with me,
for I have found my sheep,
the one that was lost!'
I tell you:
In the same way there will be joy in heaven
for one sinner who repents,
more than for ninety-nine righteous people
who have no need of repentance.
Or again, if a woman has ten silver coins
and loses one of them,
does she not light a lamp, sweep the house,
and search carefully until she finds it?
When she has found it,
she gathers her friends and neighbors
to tell them:
'Rejoice with me,
for I have found the silver coin I had lost!'
In the same way, I tell you:
There is joy before the angels of God
for one sinner who repents."
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org