Daily Readings - Tue Nov 05 2019
Romans
5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;8Or 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.9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.16Be 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.
Luke
15And 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.16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.18And 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.19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.21So 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.22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.23And 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.24For 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 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.