Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13; and Matthew 23: 1-12. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 131 (Psalm 131:1-3).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflections on these readings:

Msgr. Charles Pope: And to the Author, All in Authority Must Answer – A Meditation on the Gospel of the 31st Sunday of the Year (29 OCT 11)

The Lectionary: Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled (27 OCT 11)

Dr. Scott Hahn: Calling the Fathers (October 30th, 2011 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)