First reading Philippians 2:5-11
Christ humbled himself but God raised him high
Responsorial Psalm 21(22):26-32
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him.
The lowly shall eat their fill;
they who seek the Lord shall praise him:
“May your hearts be ever merry!”
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
All the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the Lord;
All the families of the nations
shall bow down before him.
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
For dominion is the Lord’s,
and he rules the nations.
To him alone shall bow down
all who sleep in the earth.
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
To him my soul shall live;
my descendants shall serve him.
Let the coming generation be told of the Lord
that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born
the justice he has shown.
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
Gospel Luke 14:15-24
‘Not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet’
Relationship with God
Today, we are presented with the image of the banquet in God’s kingdom, symbolizing a close relationship with Him. This is a relationship to which everyone is invited, as we read in the gospel. The good news is that God invites each of us into His banquet, for He desires all people, without exception, to come to know Him personally. However, the decision to respond and enter the banquet is not forced upon us. It is a choice we make freely. Moreover, God invites us not just once or twice but in every moment of each day to grow in our knowledge of who He is. He beckons us to draw closer to His heart. As we experience His love more deeply, we can truly love others with His love.
Let us wait no longer. Let us find no more excuses. May we respond to God’s invitation and taste the happiness of living in a relationship with Him.
Reflective question:
Am I open to responding ‘yes’ to God’s invitation today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.