Daily Readings - Tue Nov 07 2023
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, St. Paul and Jesus remind us of the importance of living as members of God’s family, united in love and humility. In the first reading from Romans, Paul describes the Church as one body in Christ, where each member has a unique gift to contribute. He exhorts us to live with genuine love, to hate what is evil, and to cling to what is good. Paul emphasizes that our gifts are not for our own glory but for the service of others. He calls us to humility, simplicity, and fervor in our lives, urging us to rejoice in hope, endure in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. This passage invites us to reflect on how we use our talents and how we relate to one another in the Body of Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the great feast, where those who were invited made excuses and refused to come. The master, in his generosity, then invites the poor, the disabled, and the marginalized to fill his house. This parable is a powerful reminder that God’s invitation is universal, and no one should feel excluded from His love. It also warns us against becoming complacent or allowing worldly concerns to distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. Just as the master sent his servant to gather those who were overlooked, we are called to reach out to others, especially those on the peripheries, and to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.
Both readings challenge us to live with humility and openness. Paul’s emphasis on unity and service reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but part of a larger family. Jesus’ parable calls us to prioritize God’s invitation above all else and to embrace those who are often forgotten. In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we using our gifts to serve others? Are we creating space for those who feel excluded? Let us strive to live with genuine love, humility, and a willingness to welcome others into the feast of God’s kingdom. May we not let excuses or distractions keep us from fully participating in the life God has called us to live.