Daily Readings - Tue Nov 07 2017
Romans
5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited.
Luke
15When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many.17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.'19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.'20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.'22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.'23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.24For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, as well as the call to humility and openness to God’s invitation. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that we are all parts of one body in Christ, each with unique gifts and responsibilities. Paul urges us to use these gifts with sincerity and love, avoiding pretense and pride. The Gospel from Luke presents a parable about a great feast, where the invited guests make excuses and are replaced by the poor and marginalized. This parable highlights God’s desire to include all people, especially those often overlooked, in His kingdom.
The readings connect in their focus on community and response to God’s call. In Romans, Paul calls us to live out our faith in harmony with one another, recognizing our interdependence and using our gifts for the common good. In Luke, Jesus teaches that the kingdom is not just for the privileged but for all, especially those who are often excluded. Together, these readings challenge us to examine how we respond to God’s invitation and how we treat others. Are we like the guests who make excuses, or are we willing to welcome and include those on the margins?
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the gifts God has given me to serve others? Am I open to including those who feel excluded? Let us strive to live with humility, love, and generosity, recognizing that the kingdom of God is for all. May we embrace our role in the body of Christ and respond joyfully to God’s invitation, leaving no one behind.