Daily Gospel Reflection for November 5, 2018

Today's Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 Today’s gospel is a short passage of just two verses. However, it is amazing how such a brief reading can give us such a huge challenge. Jesus is clearly telling us to invite the poor, crippled, lame and blind, those who can’t return our hospitality. Most notable is that by doing this service to the needy we are meriting our eternal reward. Jesus doesn’t mince words. Our mission is clear: it is by helping the least of us that we please God. While Jesus has already won the prize of our eternal salvation, we have to be His partners. We have been given the gift of free will so that we can fully participate in God’s salvation. Our participation IS necessary, however. I always like the image that we are God’s hands and feet on earth. Not only because by our actions will we be judged, but also because we show who God is: love. When we act with love and unselfishness, we act as God would. Today’s first reading from Philippians tells us if there is any “participation in the Spirit” we should be “each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.” It’s simple but not easy. Fortunately God also gives us His grace to act accordingly, we just have to be open.

Ponder:

How can I welcome the needy as the Lord wishes?

Pray:

Dear Lord: please provide me with the grace to act as You wish in welcoming the needy.

Copyright 2018 Ann Rock Ann Rock is the mother of a 22-year-old son and has been married for 32 years. She works as a companion to the elderly. In her free time she loves Bible study and paper crafts. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required