Monday of the 31st week in ordinary time year A
Rom. 11:29-36 Luke 14: 12-14
Theme: Show love
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus makes an assertion that is very important to all of us as children of God. The admonition of Jesus in today’s gospel reading is that we should show love to our less privileged brothers and sisters when we celebrate our parties. This is very interesting, taking into consideration what is happening around us today in our world. A situation in which people are increasingly becoming more conscious of their social class and status in society. People celebrate their parties and are very strict with those who are allowed access into the venue for the celebrations. You know that at such gatherings, the less privileged have no place, because they cannot even come close to such a place. It is usually a gathering for friends and family in the same group.
However, in recent times we see people going to the orphanage to celebrate with them. Some others prepare food and drinks, then distribute them to the less privileged. While there is another group that celebrates with the less privileged for personal gains and for political reasons, and the event is widely publicized for people to see. All these groups put together are still a small percentage of people. The teaching of Jesus today is an invitation to all of us, to treat the poor and less privileged with some more love, just like we expect God to always show us love. What some of these people truly need in their lives to give them joy and hope is for us to show them love and give them reasons to believe that even in their disadvantaged situation, all hope is not lost. When they have a positive disposition, it simply means that they will be open for greater things in the future.
The best time for us to begin to practice this wonderful love that Jesus is talking about is now that Christmas is getting close. Even if you cannot throw a party for them, you can put a smile on the face of one or two people during this period. Remember the saying, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do for me”. So strictly speaking, whatever love you show to the less privileged, you are simply doing it for God, and he will bless you in his own way. Let us resolve today to show people love and the good Lord will continue to bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.