First reading Romans 12:5-16
Use the gifts you have been given
All of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administration; if teaching, then use it for teaching. Let the preachers deliver sermons, the almsgivers give freely, the officials be diligent, and those who do works of mercy do them cheerfully.
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.
Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied.
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.
Truly I have set my soul
in silence and peace.
A weaned child on its mother’s breast,
even so is my soul.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
both now and forever.
Gospel Luke 14:15-24
‘Not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet’
One of those gathered round the table said to Jesus, ‘Happy the man who will be at the feast in the kingdom of God!’ But he said to him, ‘There was a man who gave a great banquet, and he invited a large number of people. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come along: everything is ready now.” But all alike started to make excuses. The first said, “I have bought a piece of land and must go and see it. Please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.” Yet another said, “I have just got married and so am unable to come.”
‘The servant returned and reported this to his master. Then the householder, in a rage, said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” “Sir” said the servant “your orders have been carried out and there is still room.” Then the master said to his servant, “Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.”’
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Let love be genuine
In the first reading from Romans, St Paul reminds us, “Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil…” In a world where love is often shallow and fleeting, St Paul emphasises that Christian love should be genuine, shown through real and tangible actions. We can see how Jesus embodied this love by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, sharing meals with outcasts, and continually reaching out to those who were marginalised. His love was expressed through actions, not merely words. As His disciples, we are called to love as He did. However, to do this, we must first abide in Christ, allowing His love to fill us and flow through us.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable of a man who invites many guests to his banquet. One by one, they reject the invitation with various excuses. Similarly, Jesus continues to invite us to partake in His banquet of love, where He wishes to fill us with His unconditional love. We can choose to make excuses, allowing busyness and material distractions keep us from Him, or we can respond to His call and cultivate a relationship with Him.
Reflective question:
How can I dedicate today to expressing genuine love through my words and actions?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
