📖 November 3, 2025 | Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Feast: St. Martin de Porres, Religious
First Reading: Romans 11:29–36
Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been His counselor? Or who has given Him anything that He may be repaid? For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:30–31, 33–34, 36
Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Gospel: Luke 14:12–14
On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who had invited Him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers 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.”
I. Introduction
Today’s Gospel invites us to look beyond self-interest and live with a heart of generosity and humility. True love, as Jesus teaches, is not about giving to those who can return the favor, but about offering kindness freely — especially to those who cannot repay. In a world that often values status, recognition, and reciprocity, Jesus reminds us that heaven’s reward comes to those who give without expecting anything in return.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 14, Jesus continues teaching about humility and hospitality. He speaks during a meal with the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to social customs. Jesus challenges their way of thinking: instead of maintaining relationships for personal benefit, believers are called to reflect God’s unconditional love. This message redefines what it means to be generous — to love selflessly, as God loves.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
This passage connects with Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
True humility brings us closer to God’s mercy. It is the recognition that every blessing comes from Him — and therefore, what we give should flow freely from the grace we have received.
IV. Reflection
Humility and compassion are inseparable. When we learn to see others — especially the poor, the lonely, the forgotten — as reflections of Christ, our hearts become truly generous. Every act of love, even unseen, becomes a prayer in motion. The Lord’s invitation today is to open our hearts, tables, and lives to those in need — not for recognition, but for love.
💬 Quote of the Day:
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan
V. Practical Applications
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Serve without expectation – Offer kindness today with no hope of return.
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Share your blessings – Be intentional in helping someone who cannot repay you.
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Pray for humility – Ask God to make your heart more generous and compassionate.
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Reflect God’s mercy – Extend forgiveness and patience to others, just as God does with us.
VI. Conclusion
In a world that measures worth by what we receive, Jesus calls us to measure life by what we give. Every humble act of love, every silent offering of help, every hidden act of mercy — these are treasures that shine in eternity.
✨ Verse of the Day:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11
🌅 Morning Prayer for the Readers
Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful morning and for the gift of life. Fill our hearts with humility and compassion. Help us to love selflessly and serve sincerely.
We lift to You those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or struggling to stand — may Your healing love embrace them today.
Pour out Your mercy upon sinners, bring light to the lost, and comfort to the hurting.
Lord, we also pray for our beloved country, the Philippines. Protect us from disasters, heal us from corruption, and lead us toward peace and righteousness.
Grant us hearts like Yours — humble, generous, and full of love.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. 🙏
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