Daily Readings - Tue Nov 05 2019
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 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.