First reading Romans 1:1-7
Our apostolic mission is to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures.
This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.
Responsorial Psalm 97(98):1-4
The Lord has made known his salvation
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
The Lord has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
Gospel Luke 11:29-32
As Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be a sign
The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them:
‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’
______________________________________________
Servant of Christ
In today’s first reading, St. Paul states, “From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and especially chosen to preach the Good News…”. He acknowledges that he was chosen by God to be “a servant of Christ” with the purpose of spreading the Gospel. Paul joyfully embraces his calling and mission out of love for Christ rather than from a sense of obligation. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul proclaims, “For the love of Christ compels us.” It is indeed his experience of Christ’s personal love for him, alongside his own love for Jesus, that has defined his life and empowered him to persevere in his calling. This love enables him to serve others faithfully, even amidst immense suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Today, let us recognise Jesus as our Master whom we love. Everything we do, we do with Him and for Him.
In the gospel, Jesus tells the people who are looking for signs, “There is something greater than Solomon…than Jonah here”. This refers to Himself, the incarnate God, who is greater than anyone. Therefore, we live with unwavering trust, knowing that He is the One to whom we dedicate our lives in love and service.
Reflective question:
What are the practical steps I can take today to live out the calling as a servant of Christ?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
