Daily Readings - Tue Nov 05 2019
Romans
5so also we, being many, are one body in Christ, and each one is a part, the one of the other6And we each have different gifts, according to the grace that has been given to us: whether prophecy, in agreement with the reasonableness of faith7or ministry, in ministering; or he who teaches, in doctrine8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, in simplicity; he who governs, in solicitude; he who shows mercy, in cheerfulness9Let love be without falseness: hating evil, clinging to what is good10loving one another with fraternal charity, surpassing one another in honor11in solicitude, not lazy; in spirit, fervent; serving the Lord12in hope, rejoicing; in tribulation, enduring; in prayer, ever-willing13in the difficulties of the saints, sharing; in hospitality, attentive14Bless those who are persecuting you: bless, and do not curse15Rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Weep with those who are weeping16Be of the same mind toward one another: not savoring what is exalted, but consenting in humility. Do not choose to seem wise to yourself
Luke
15When someone sitting at table with him had heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.16So he said to him: "A certain man prepared a great feast, and he invited many17And he sent his servant, at the hour of the feast, to tell the invited to come; for now everything was ready18And at once they all began to make excuses. The first said to him: ‘I bought a farm, and I need to go out and see it. I ask you to excuse me.19And another said: ‘I bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine them. I ask you to excuse me.20And another said, ‘I have taken a wife, and therefore I am not able to go.21And returning, the servant reported these things to his lord. Then the father of the family, becoming angry, said to his servant: ‘Go out quickly into the streets and neighborhoods of the city. And lead here the poor, and the disabled, and the blind, and the lame.22And the servant said: ‘It has been done, just as you ordered, lord, and there is still room.23And the lord said to the servant: ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel them to enter, so that my house may be filled24For I tell you, that none of those men who were invited will taste of my feast.’
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of our roles within the Christian community and the importance of responding to God's invitation with humility and openness. The first reading from Romans 12:5-16a emphasizes that each of us is part of the body of Christ, endowed with unique gifts that should be used for the common good. This passage calls us to live with genuine love, endure trials patiently, and practice hospitality, highlighting the unity and interdependence within the community.
The Gospel from Luke 14:15-24 presents a parable about a great feast, where the invited guests make excuses, leading the master to invite the marginalized instead. This parable underscores the importance of not taking God's invitation for granted and being mindful of worldly distractions that might lead us away from spiritual commitments. It also emphasizes inclusivity, urging us to reach out to those often overlooked.
Both readings connect through themes of community and response to God's call. Romans focuses on our responsibilities within the community, while Luke's parable highlights the urgency of accepting God's invitation. In our daily lives, this means recognizing our roles, using our gifts, and being inclusive. Spiritually, it calls us to humility, gratitude, and openness, avoiding complacency and distractions, ensuring we welcome all to God's table.