Daily Readings - Mon Nov 06 2017

First Reading - Romans 11.29-36

²⁹For the gifts and the call of God are without regret³⁰And just as you also, in times past, did not believe in God, but now you have obtained mercy because of their unbelief³¹so also have these now not believed, for your mercy, so that they might obtain mercy also³²For God has enclosed everyone in unbelief, so that he may have mercy on everyone³³Oh, the depths of the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable are his ways³⁴For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor³⁵Or who first gave to him, so that repayment would be owed³⁶For from him, and through him, and in him are all things. To him is glory, for all eternity. Amen

Gospel - Luke 14.12-14

Luke

Chapter 14

¹²Then he also said to the one who had invited him: "When you prepare a lunch or dinner, do not choose to call your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives, or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they might then invite you in return and repayment would made to you¹³But when you prepare a feast, call the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind¹⁴And you will be blessed because they do not have a way to repay you. So then, your recompense will be in the resurrection of the just.

Sermon

The first reading from Romans reminds us of God’s boundless mercy and the mystery of His ways. Paul reflects on how God’s gifts and call are irrevocable, and how His mercy extends to all, even when humanity falls short. He emphasizes that God’s wisdom and judgments are beyond human comprehension, and that all things come from Him, through Him, and for Him. This passage invites us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and to recognize that His mercy is available to everyone. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and generosity. He advises against inviting only those who can repay us, whether through social status or material wealth. Instead, He calls us to invite those who are marginalized—the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. Jesus promises that our reward will come in the resurrection of the just, reminding us that true generosity is selfless and rooted in love, not in expectation of reciprocity. Both readings challenge us to reflect on how we live out God’s mercy in our daily lives. Paul’s words encourage us to embrace the mystery of God’s ways and to trust in His plan, while Jesus’ teaching calls us to act with humility and compassion. In a world often driven by reciprocity and self-interest, these readings remind us to live differently: to trust in God’s providence and to love without expecting anything in return. Let us strive to imitate God’s boundless mercy by serving others selflessly, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in eternal life with Him.