Daily Readings - Tue Nov 07 2023
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, St. Paul and Jesus remind us of the importance of living as members of God’s family, united in love and humility. In the first reading from Romans, Paul describes the Church as one body in Christ, where each member has a unique gift to contribute. He exhorts us to live with genuine love, to hate what is evil, and to cling to what is good. Paul emphasizes that our gifts are not for our own glory but for the service of others. He calls us to humility, simplicity, and fervor in our lives, urging us to rejoice in hope, endure in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. This passage invites us to reflect on how we use our talents and how we relate to one another in the Body of Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the great feast, where those who were invited made excuses and refused to come. The master, in his generosity, then invites the poor, the disabled, and the marginalized to fill his house. This parable is a powerful reminder that God’s invitation is universal, and no one should feel excluded from His love. It also warns us against becoming complacent or allowing worldly concerns to distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. Just as the master sent his servant to gather those who were overlooked, we are called to reach out to others, especially those on the peripheries, and to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.
Both readings challenge us to live with humility and openness. Paul’s emphasis on unity and service reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but part of a larger family. Jesus’ parable calls us to prioritize God’s invitation above all else and to embrace those who are often forgotten. In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we using our gifts to serve others? Are we creating space for those who feel excluded? Let us strive to live with genuine love, humility, and a willingness to welcome others into the feast of God’s kingdom. May we not let excuses or distractions keep us from fully participating in the life God has called us to live.