We are beloved children of God, our Heavenly Father, who loves us so dearly. He blesses us with gifts and talents to build His kingdom. Through discernment, each of us can identify the specific gifts we have been given and are meant to excel in. However, we are not limited to just one or two gifts. Some of us are blessed with multiple gifts and talents.
Despite the variety of gifts and talents, which differ from person to person, we are called to unite as one body in Christ Jesus our Lord. This unity is the essence of holy communion. As His cherished children and believers in His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are invited every Sunday to partake of the Holy Eucharist. This is the wedding banquet of the Lamb, where God’s grace, mercy, peace, and love are poured into our hearts.
In receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ Jesus, we become truly one with Him in His divine nature. This union empowers us to go forth into the world to make disciples of all nations. Blessed are those who are called and respond to the invitation to partake in the wedding supper of the Lamb. Amen.
Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
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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.
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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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