Greetings on this the Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Romans 11:29-36; Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36; Luke 14:12-14
Summary
In our sacred reading today, we are reminded that our prayers and conduct are central to the well-being of others and ourselves.
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.
He said to the host who invited him,
"When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, 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."
- Luke 14:12-14
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, Jesus reminds us of one of the four-fold blessings we should be living in this life.
- To be Sabbath – Repaid at the resurrection of the righteous (Lk 14:14). Sabbath is noun and verb, objective and subjective.
- To be a Herald – To bring glad tidings to the poor (Lk 4:18).
- To be Blessed – Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours (Lk 6:20).
- To be Generous – Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Lk 12:15).
Personal Reflection
Today I am retreat master at Our Lady of FLorida. Pray I do a good job. You can follow along:
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/wp-1761629668484.pdf
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Theology-of-Encounter-Lessons-from-the-Road-Worksheet.pdf
As to the relationship to the gospel portion today. Remember, Jesus is interested in our helping the poor and at the SAME TIME our resistance to the three A’s within ourselves: acquisition, advantage and alliance.
Being blessed changes US. Being mindful of encounter and those in need changes US.
It is, in fact, our greatest perfection in life. The central of relationship is Encounter.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110325.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry