By Akhsi Wary csc.
Readings: Rom 11:29-36; Lk 14:12-14.
Today, we hear St. Paul encouraging the Romans to share their experiences of God’s mercy with others so that they too can receive God’s mercy. This message is profound and personal to Paul, as he himself has experienced God’s mercy. He had persecuted God’s people, he had sinned deeply, but he received God’s mercy as an amazing gift. And God gave Paul his mission, to proclaim the good news to the gentiles. Paul’s experience of Jesus was a pure gift, though totally undeserving. He embraced God’s love with incredible gratitude, and moved by this experience of gratuitous love, he accomplished the mission.
In the gospel, Jesus sets an example of the right attitude that we need to have in our social interactions. Using the banquet as an illustration he invites us to avoid favouritism and serve those who are needy and cannot repay.
The merciful Lord wants us to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or any other factor. By doing so, we can help everyone to experience God’s gratuitous love. Let us pray for Lord’s blessing and guidance as we discern our own mission in life. May we be of one mind and one spirit, and may we show `love and respect to one another as we journey together in faith.