Daily Readings - Mon Nov 06 2023
Romans
29For the gifts and the call of God are without regret30And just as you also, in times past, did not believe in God, but now you have obtained mercy because of their unbelief31so also have these now not believed, for your mercy, so that they might obtain mercy also32For God has enclosed everyone in unbelief, so that he may have mercy on everyone33Oh, the depths of the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable are his ways34For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor35Or who first gave to him, so that repayment would be owed36For from him, and through him, and in him are all things. To him is glory, for all eternity. Amen
Luke
12Then he also said to the one who had invited him: "When you prepare a lunch or dinner, do not choose to call your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives, or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they might then invite you in return and repayment would made to you13But when you prepare a feast, call the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind14And you will be blessed because they do not have a way to repay you. So then, your recompense will be in the resurrection of the just.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of God's boundless mercy and the call to live with humility and generosity. The passage from Romans highlights the mystery of God's ways, emphasizing that His mercy is universal and beyond human comprehension. It underscores that we are all recipients of His grace, regardless of our past beliefs or actions. The Gospel from Luke complements this by offering a practical application of living out God's mercy. Jesus teaches us to extend hospitality not to those who can repay us but to those on the margins—the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. This act of selfless generosity reflects the heart of God, who showers mercy on all without expectation of return.
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on God's universal and unconditional love. In Romans, we see that God's mercy is not limited by human unbelief or failure, and in Luke, we are challenged to mirror this mercy in our interactions with others. Jesus' teaching on hospitality is not just about who we invite to our tables but about how we view and treat all people. It calls us to move beyond reciprocal relationships and instead embrace a way of living that prioritizes compassion and kindness, especially toward those often overlooked.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out this mercy and generosity in our daily lives. It might mean reaching out to someone who feels excluded, offering a kind word to someone who needs encouragement, or simply being present for those who feel alone. Remember, our actions of love and mercy are not for earthly reward but for the promise of eternal life. May we trust in God's wisdom and ways, even when they seem incomprehensible, and may we strive to be vessels of His mercy in a world that deeply needs it.