Thursday, November 12, 2026
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary 494
FIRST READING — Philemon 7–20
Philemon 7–9 — Paul rejoices because Philemon's love has encouraged and strengthened fellow believers. Rather than command him, Paul appeals to him through love.
Philemon 10–12 — Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, whom Paul has come to regard as his own son in the faith.
Philemon 14 — “That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.”
Philemon 15–16 — “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.”
Philemon 17 — “If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.”
Philemon 18–20 — Paul offers to repay whatever Onesimus owes and asks Philemon to refresh his heart through an act of Christian love.
Paul teaches that faith in Jesus Christ transforms relationships. Onesimus is no longer to be regarded merely as a servant but welcomed as a beloved brother in the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM — Psalm 146:7, 8–9a, 9bc–10
Response: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
Psalm 146:7 — “The LORD looseth the prisoners.” God brings justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry.
Psalm 146:8 — “The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down.”
Psalm 146:9 — God protects strangers and cares for the fatherless and widows, while opposing the ways of the wicked.
Psalm 146:10 — “The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations.”
The psalm celebrates God's everlasting reign, His justice, and His compassion for those in need.
ALLELUIA — John 15:5
John 15:5 — “I am the vine, ye are the branches.”
Jesus teaches that those who remain in Him bear much fruit, for apart from Him they can do nothing.
GOSPEL — Luke 17:20–25
Luke 17:20 — The Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of God will come.
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.”
Luke 17:21 — Jesus explains that people will not announce that the Kingdom is here or there. The Kingdom of God is already among them.
Luke 17:22 — Jesus tells His disciples that days will come when they will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man but will not see it.
Luke 17:23 — Jesus warns them not to pursue people claiming that the Son of Man can be found in some particular place.
Luke 17:24 — Just as lightning flashes across the sky, so the Son of Man will be revealed in His day.
Luke 17:25 — “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.”
Jesus teaches His first-century audience that God's Kingdom was already among them. He also warns His disciples against misleading claims and explains that His suffering and rejection by that generation must come first.
KINGDOM CONNECTION
Jesus told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God was already among them, even while they were asking when it would arrive. He also told His disciples that He would first suffer and be rejected by this generation.
Paul's appeal concerning Onesimus demonstrates the transforming power of the New Covenant. Through Christ, a man formerly regarded as a slave was to be received as a beloved brother.
God's Kingdom was being revealed through Jesus Christ, bringing reconciliation, brotherhood, and a new life among His people. His reign is everlasting, and His people are called to reflect His love and righteousness.
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