First reading Romans 11:29-36
God never takes back his gifts
God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.
How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything?
All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.
Responsorial Psalm 68(69):30-31,33-34,36-37
In your great love, answer me, O God.
As for me in my poverty and pain
let your help, O God, lift me up.
I will praise God’s name with a song;
I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
The poor when they see it will be glad
and God-seeking hearts will revive;
for the Lord listens to the needy
and does not spurn his servants in their chains.
For God will bring help to Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah
and men shall dwell there in possession.
The sons of his servants shall inherit it;
those who love his name shall dwell there.
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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The small acts of kindness
“…when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; their inability to repay you means that you are fortunate…” These words from today’s gospel are meant for us as well. Jesus invites us to give without counting the cost or seeking rewards in return. Often, we offer our time, money, and talents to others, but our giving can be tainted by self-interest and the hope of receiving favours in return. For instance, we might donate to a cause with the expectation that our contribution will be publicly recognised. We may invite someone to a party, anticipating that they will return the favour by inviting us to theirs. We work hard for our families, hoping for appreciation from our spouses and children.
Jesus wants us to act out of love and find joy in giving rather than in receiving. Both the small and large acts of kindness we perform will not go unnoticed, because Jesus sees and appreciates them. Today, let us focus on performing acts of love and speaking words of kindness simply to please Jesus.
Reflective question:
How can I truly be generous today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
