One of the most precious gifts the Lord our God gave us is free will. He created us in love, to know Him and to love Him, but gave us free will to choose if we want to or not. And that will never change throughout our lifetime. Think back on all the other gifts He has lavished on you personally. Did He take it back or did you lose it on your own by the choices you have made?
Likewise in the 2nd commandment we are called to love one another as we love ourselves Matthew 22:39 This in itself is difficult for many because whether they want to admit it or not they love themselves more than they will love anyone else. but in John 13:34 the command seems more impossible, “Love one another. As I have loved you.” How did Jesus love us? He laid down His life for love of us. So then if we are to love neighbour as we love ourselves or the way Jesus loved us; how then can we possibly ask for anything in return? Our service and love then must reflect that of Christ Jesus our Lord. Unconditional, life giving love. Not so much in word but love put into action!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen
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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.
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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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