First reading Philippians 2:1-4
Be united in your love
If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead.
Responsorial Psalm 130(131)
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Lord, my heart is not proud
nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great
nor marvels beyond me.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Truly I have set my soul
in silence and peace.
A weaned child on its mother’s breast,
even so is my soul.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
both now and forever.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Gospel Luke 14:12-14
Do not invite those who might be able to invite you back
Jesus said to his host, one of the leading Pharisees, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’
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Being gratuitous
In our daily lives, it is always easier for us to relate with those we like, who are familiar to us, or whom we admire. In the gospel, Jesus encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones and engage with people we typically keep at a distance. This includes those we find difficult to get along with and those we do not agree with. These people are the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind that Jesus is referring to in the passage.
Taking the first step to love beyond familiar boundaries may seem daunting, and deciding to love selflessly may require more effort. Yet, when we do so, we become more like Jesus, who loves us unconditionally. In this journey of loving like Jesus, we find the repayment that He promised us in the gospel. May Jesus give us the necessary will and strength today in prayer to love others generously.
Reflective question:
Who is Jesus inviting me to love freely today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
