Daily Readings - Mon Nov 06 2017
First Reading - Romans 11.29-36
Romans
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Gospel - Luke 14.12-14
Luke
Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Sermon
The first reading from Romans reminds us of God’s boundless mercy and the mystery of His ways. Paul reflects on how God’s gifts and call are irrevocable, and how His mercy extends to all, even when humanity falls short. He emphasizes that God’s wisdom and judgments are beyond human comprehension, and that all things come from Him, through Him, and for Him. This passage invites us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and to recognize that His mercy is available to everyone.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and generosity. He advises against inviting only those who can repay us, whether through social status or material wealth. Instead, He calls us to invite those who are marginalized—the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. Jesus promises that our reward will come in the resurrection of the just, reminding us that true generosity is selfless and rooted in love, not in expectation of reciprocity.
Both readings challenge us to reflect on how we live out God’s mercy in our daily lives. Paul’s words encourage us to embrace the mystery of God’s ways and to trust in His plan, while Jesus’ teaching calls us to act with humility and compassion. In a world often driven by reciprocity and self-interest, these readings remind us to live differently: to trust in God’s providence and to love without expecting anything in return. Let us strive to imitate God’s boundless mercy by serving others selflessly, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in eternal life with Him.