October 26, 2025 - One Bread, One Body
October 26, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle C Readings:
1) Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23
2) 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
All poured out
“I for my part am already being poured out like a libation.” —2 Timothy 4:6
St. Paul, near the end of his life, said that he was “being poured out like a libation” (2 Tm 4:6). A libation is the act of pouring a liquid offering onto the ground, usually in a religious ceremony. The act of libation seems like a waste of good oil or wine (see Gn 35:14; Lv 23:13). Similarly, to those without faith, it seems a misuse of talent to spend one’s life serving the Lord. But to those with faith, this is not a waste but a libation, a life poured out in service to God.
This is how God relates to us. He pours out the Holy Spirit on us (Rm 5:5), whether or not we bother to receive it. He pours out the rain on the just and the unjust (Mt 5:45). The crucified Jesus did not hold back any drops of His blood.
In God’s service, we humbly empty ourselves (Phil 2:7). We are called to pour it all out, to empty ourselves, like a libation (see Phil 2:17). There’s nothing left in the chalice once the libation is poured out.
Imitate Jesus. Pour yourself out. Offer yourself fully to Him. Hold nothing back. Be poured out like a libation to the Lord (2 Tm 4:6).
Prayer: Father, I pour out my life for You. I trust You to fill me up again.
Promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.” —Ps 34:19
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, Divine Logos, for watering the earth with Your all-powerful Word (Is 55:10-11).
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025."
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.