“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Tuesday, 7th November 2017,
Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time
Rom 12: 5-16;
Ps 131: 1-3 (R) 3;
Lk 14: 15-24.
CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY
Today’s reading from the letter to the Romans, focuses on our relationship to other believers. Paul was writing to Christians who were members of local churches in Rome. For him our relationship to each other is like that of the members of a body. As each part of the body works in unity with the others, so also we in a community belong to each other, we serve each other, and we need each other. Our total growth depends on how we all work together, with the mind of Christ for the greater glory of God.
To do this, one has to know the three essentials of relationship and service in the community and to build the Body of Christ: First, Self - Knowledge: Each Christian must be aware of his unique talent and skill, which was given to him / her for the benefit of the Church and the community. This does not mean to think highly of oneself, and undermine the talents of others. It means to be aware also about the talents and gifts of others in the community so that the community might be built in the Christian virtues of love, hope and faith.
Second, Co-operation and Collaboration: Each Christian must exercise his or her gifts by faith. We might not be able to see fruits immediately, but the Lord sees and blesses them. All our gifts must be brought together for the good of the whole church, and this can only be done with cooperation and active collaboration.
Third, Honesty and Charity: For the well being of the body of Christ, the life blood and function must be love and honesty. Love enables all the members to function in a healthy, harmonious way. This love must be honest and not hypocritical.
In the Gospel reading, We see the invited guests were self occupied with their own concerns, they did not take the invitation seriously, giving excuses of possessions, family and personal relationships. So also in our responsibility and commitment to Jesus and the Body of the Church, we are many times busy with our own personal agendas and we miss the invitation of Christ. Today we are called to consider a few things: Have I used my God given gifts and talents for God? Have I contributed towards building the Body of Christ? Have I been full of excuses, when I have been called to responsibility? Am I willing to make a reform in my life to become an effective member in the body of the Church?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to see the numerous ways in which You call me to share more fully in Your life of grace and mercy. Help me to recognize the feast that is prepared for me and help me to always make You the priority in my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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