Daily Readings - Tue Nov 07 2017
First Reading - Romans 12.5-16a
Romans
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Gospel - Luke 14.15-24
Luke
And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
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.