Readings for November 5, 2025
First Reading – Romans 13:8-10
“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: You shall not commit adultery; You shall not kill; You shall not steal; You shall not covet— and whatever other commandment there may be—are summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no evil to the neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112:1-2, 4-5, 9
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
“Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments. His descendants shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed… To the righteous light dawns in darkness; he is gracious, merciful and righteous… He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever…” Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel – Luke 14:25-33
“Great crowds were traveling with Jesus; and turning he said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to build a tower does not first sit down and estimate the cost… In the same way, whoever does not give up all that he has cannot be my disciple.’” USCCB+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another…” — Romans 13:8
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings call us into the heart of Christian discipleship: love and commitment. The Apostle Paul frames love as the fulfillment of all commandments. Meanwhile, Jesus lays out the cost of following Him. There is no minimal path to discipleship; love demands everything.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus invites the crowd to consider the seriousness of following Him. The language is stark—“hate” one’s family, “carry the cross,” “give up all that you have.” These are metaphors expressing that allegiance to Jesus must supersede all else. The cost is real, yet the promise is life in fullness.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Love & Commitment
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Romans 13 emphasizes that loving one another is not optional—it is what fulfills the law.
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The Psalm celebrates the upright person whose life is shaped by fear of the Lord, righteousness, mercy, generosity.
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Together, they reveal that love is both virtue and action; discipleship requires choosing Christ even when it costs.
IV. Reflections
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Love that truly fulfills the law is bold and sacrificial—it goes beyond convenience or emotion.
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Discipleship involves evaluation: are we fully aligned with Christ, or are there hidden loyalties and bargains?
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The “cross” is not just burdensome—it’s the path to freedom in Christ.
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Generosity, mercy, uprightness (Psalm) are signs that the cost is being paid and the commitment lived.
V. Practical Applications
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Identify one area of your life where following Jesus costs something (time, resource, relationship) and surrender it today.
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Choose an act of love for someone who cannot repay you—simple, hidden, genuine.
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Speak a prayer: “Lord, help me owe nothing but love to others.”
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Reflect on your daily commitments—are they building God’s kingdom or keeping you distant from full allegiance?
VI. Conclusion
To love and to follow Christ are not separate calls—they are one. When we “owe nothing but love,” when we count the cost of discipleship and yet choose Jesus first, we live the Gospel in truth. May our lives reflect unwavering love, full surrender, and courageous commitment.
🙏 Morning Prayer for the Readers
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for another day, another chance to love and serve.
Help us to live with sincerity and boldness—that our love may fulfill Your law and draw others to You.
For those who are weary, brokenhearted, mourning, or feeling weak—pour out Your healing and strength.
Have mercy on us, sinners in need of Your grace and transformation.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines—protect our families, bless our students, shield our land from calamities and injustice.
Grant our leaders integrity and our people unity and hope.
May our allegiance to You be clear, our love being real, and our commitment unwavering.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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