Daily Readings - Tue Nov 07 2017
Romans
5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Luke
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'22"'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of 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.