Mass Readings – 28 Oct 2025 (Feast of Saints Simon & Jude)

 

🙏 Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You built Your household with the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and set Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. On this Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, you call us not as strangers but as full citizens of Your Kingdom. Open our hearts to receive this invitation. Help us to live in unity with one another, in humility, obedience and love, that our lives may proclaim Your glory throughout Singapore and beyond. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.



📖 Readings

  1. First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 — “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow‐citizens with the holy ones...” Catholic Online+2Catholic Daily Readings+2

  2. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3,4-5 — “The heavens declare the glory of God… Their voice goes out through all the earth.” Catholic Daily Readings+1

  3. Gospel: Jesus Christ. Luke 6:12-16 — He spends a whole night in prayer and then chooses the Twelve Apostles. Catholic Online+1

🧠 Explanation & Application (with Singapore flavour)

What’s going on?

  • From Ephesians: We’re told we are no longer outsiders “just visiting”, but full citizens in God’s household, built on the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.

  • From the Psalm: Creation itself proclaims God’s glory — it’s not just Sunday Mass that shouts Hallelujah, but the skies, the seas, and yes, even the MRT tracks perhaps!

  • From Luke: Before having major “appointments” (choosing apostles), Jesus prayed all night. Then He calls His team. Very intentional, very focused.

How to apply it in Singapore/for all races:

  • Singapore-style ‘kiasu’ culture: Many of us are used to “horning in” opportunities, queue-jumping, grabbing the best seat in church, trying to be the first at the buffet. But the readings remind us: we’re not just “visitors” in the Body of Christ; we’re full members. So instead of saying “Eh, I must get my name in the parish list, I must be on this committee”, we remember our part is to build together, not just advance ourselves.

  • Multiracial Malaysia/Singapore mix: The Gospel shows Jesus choosing a diverse group (fishermen, tax-collector turned apostle, zealot etc.). Likewise our parish might have Chinese aunties, Malay uncles, Indian cousins, Eurasian youth — all called. So application: Let’s not think “I’m only comfortable with my own race group at church”. We’re built together.

  • Night prayer before big decision: Jesus prayed all night before selecting the Twelve. So when you have big life decisions (job change, moving house, big purchase like a HDB flat in Bukit Batok), take time in prayer first. Don’t just go “OK lah, this unit good deal, buy!” without asking God.

  • Cornerstone & foundation: In Singapore, we build tall condos, good foundations matter. In life, Christ is our cornerstone — if everything else is shaky (career, friends, status), if Christ is firm, we stand. So if you’re feeling unstable (job market, expensive housing, family stress), remember you are built on Him.

  • Creation proclaims God: Even on the hustle of Orchard Road, Changi Airport, or hawker centre queues — the world around you is communicating God’s glory. So when you’re stuck in traffic jam on PIE, instead of fuming, maybe reflect: “Even this morning’s sunrise over the Singapore skyline is God’s handiwork.”

  • Invitation to unity: Because we are fellow citizens, we must treat one another with dignity. In Singapore’s multi-religious context, we should live out respect, collaboration, not cliques. As catechumens especially: you’re invited fully in — don’t sit on the edge, join, participate.

In short: We’re fully in, we’re built together, we pray first, we recognise God in everything — and we act like it.

🙌 Closing Prayer

Father of all,
As we go forth from this celebration, help us to live out the truth that we are citizens of Your holy city, built on the apostolic foundation, joined together in Christ. May the message of creation that declares Your glory inspire our daily lives — in our work, our friendships, our service. Grant us the courage to pray before important decisions, to build rather than divide, to love rather than exclude. Through the intercession of Saints Simon and Jude, may we stand firm in faith, hope and love, and shine forth your light in our multiracial, vibrant community here in Singapore. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

🔗 Sources

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