October 31
Saturday, week 30 in Ordinary Time
Year II
Today is an ordinary weekday in the liturgical calendar, referred to as a "ferial" day or simply "of the feria." In the Catholic tradition, ferial days occur when the Church does not celebrate any specific saint or major feast, allowing the faithful to focus on the unfolding mystery of Christ in the rhythm of daily life. The Mass readings and prayers come from the weekday of the current liturgical season—in this case, Ordinary Time. Though these days may seem less remarkable, they hold deep spiritual value: Ordinary Time is a season of growth, reflection, and sanctification through ordinary activities and prayer. The green liturgical color symbolizes hope and ongoing spiritual renewal.
The Church invites us on these days to encounter God amid our daily routines, to cultivate gratitude in the simple and habitual, and to be attentive to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Ferial days remind us that sanctity is not reserved only for special celebrations, but is attainable in the ordinary circumstances of life. This encourages Catholics to see the presence of God in every moment, to practice charity, and to follow Christ with fidelity and joy even outside festive occasions may offer.
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Questions about Saturday, week 30 in Ordinary Time (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingPh 1, 18b-26
Brothers and sisters,
in any case, whether with false motives or with sincerity,
Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will continue to rejoice,
for I know that this will lead to my salvation,
through your prayers
and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
This is what I eagerly expect,
and this is what I hope for.
I will not be put to shame in anything;
on the contrary, I will remain full of confidence,
now as always;
whether I live or whether I die,
Christ will be glorified in my body.
Indeed, for me, to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.
But if, by living in this world,
I am able to accomplish useful work,
I no longer know what to choose.
I feel torn between the two:
I desire to depart and be with Christ,
for that is far better;
but, for your sake, to remain in this world
is even more necessary.
I am convinced of this.
I know then that I will remain,
and that I will continue to be with you all,
for your progress and your joy in the faith.
So that, through what happens to me,
you will have all the more pride in Christ Jesus,
on account of my returning to you.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 41 (42), 2, 3, 5abcd, 5efgh
As a thirsty deer
seeks living water,
so my soul seeks you,
you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God,
the living God;
when can I go forth,
appear before God?
I remember,
and my soul overflows:
at that time,
I used to pass through the gates!
I led the festive multitude
to the house of my God,
amid cries of joy
and thanksgiving.
GospelLc 14, 1.7-11
One sabbath day,
Jesus had entered the house of a leader of the Pharisees
to eat a meal there,
and they were observing him.
Jesus told a parable to the invited guests
when he noticed how they chose the places of honor,
and he said to them:
“When you are invited to a wedding banquet,
do not take the place of honor,
in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited.
Then, the one who invited both you and him
will come and say to you:
‘Give this person your place’;
and at that moment you would go, filled with shame,
to take the last place.
But when you are invited,
go and sit at the lowest place.
Then, when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you:
‘My friend, move up higher,’
and then you will be honored
in the presence of all those at table with you.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled;
whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org