Daily Readings - Tue Nov 05 2019
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 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.