Have we grown tired and given up on our loved ones, friends, community members who have lost faith turned away from God and who seem to be doing well on their own? Well think of it this way, where will we be today if the Lord our God was weary of our obstinacy and gave up on us? I reckon we would be constantly be searching for peace of mind, looking for love in all the wrong places and never satisfied with what we have. Knowing this we must continue to be patient as our Heavenly Father is patient, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Let us continue to reach out to all who have left the Church and lead them back to the loving arms of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Today’s Gospel reminds me of Romans 2:11 where St Paul says God has no favourites. So then to whom who do we seek to be honoured? Affirmed? Do we seek recognition from our fellow sisters and brothers? From our peers? Colleagues? Community members? Leaders? In today’s context, will we be one of those who rush to sit at the table with the priest? Bishop etc.? Do we prance around like social butterflies to see and be seen? Have we forgotten that God our Father sees it all? Would He approve of such behaviour from His children?
My Lord and my God, I desire only to be in Your presence. Keep me humble so that my service of others reflects my love for You; and in so doing I remain fully in Your presence now and forever. Amen
First reading
Romans 11:1-2,11-12,25-29
The Jews have not fallen for ever
Let me put a question: is it possible that God has rejected his people? Of course not. I, an Israelite, descended from Abraham through the tribe of Benjamin, could never agree that God had rejected his people, the people he chose specially long ago. Do you remember what scripture says of Elijah – how he complained to God about Israel’s behaviour? Let me put another question then: have the Jews fallen for ever, or have they just stumbled? Obviously they have not fallen for ever: their fall, though, has saved the pagans in a way the Jews may now well emulate. Think of the extent to which the world, the pagan world, has benefited from their fall and defection – then think how much more it will benefit from the conversion of them all. There is a hidden reason for all this, brothers, of which I do not want you to be ignorant, in case you think you know more than you do. One section of Israel has become blind, but this will last only until the whole pagan world has entered, and then after this the rest of Israel will be saved as well. As scripture says: The liberator will come from Zion, he will banish godlessness from Jacob. And this is the covenant I will make with them when I take their sins away.
The Jews are enemies of God only with regard to the Good News, and enemies only for your sake; but as the chosen people, they are still loved by God, loved for the sake of their ancestors. God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
Gospel
Luke 14:1,7-11
Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled
Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’
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