Be their sabbath rest

Greetings on this the Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3; Lk 14:12-14
Notes: Sabbath rest comes up even 7 days later from the reflection on Sabbath work.

Today’s readings the commandment to Keep the Sabbath Holy is given a deeper context by Jesus.

He wants us to be the Sabbath rest for others.

That is a remarkable statement and one of great responsibility. We are made in his image and called to his likeness. I am always astounded at the trust Jesus puts in us to really be like him.

Sabbath rest is not for you alone with the Lord but also for you to be like the Lord with others.

• Inviting without advantage or alliance.
• Giving without the expectation of repayment.
• Sharing that the guest may be at rest in you.

We say: In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
Jesus says: Have you been peace for others?

First reading
Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.

Responsorial Psalm
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me.

Alleluia Verse
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

Gospel Portion
On a sabbath… He said to the host who invited him… when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Let’s be like Paul: humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.

Be their Sabbath rest.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry