Gospel: Luke 14:15-24
Upon hearing these words, one of those at the table said to Jesus, “Happy are those who eat at the banquet in the kingdom of God!” Jesus replied, “A man once gave a feast and invited many guests. When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell those he had invited to come, for everything was ready. But all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘Please excuse me. I must go and see the piece of land I have just bought.’ Another said: ‘I am sorry, but I am on my way to try out the five yoke of oxen I have just bought.’ Still another said, ‘How can I come, when I’ve just got married?’ The servant returned alone, and reported this to his master. Upon hearing his account, the master of the house flew into a rage, and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly, into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported after a while, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out, but there is still room.’ The master said, ‘Go out to the highways and country lanes, and force people to come in, to ensure that my house is full. I tell you, none of those invited will have a morsel of my feast.”
Reflection:
“Warmed by the fire of their charity."
“You must, likewise, give with an open hand, preside with dedication, and be cheerful in your works of charity.” The beautiful words of Saint Paul encourage us to live our Christian life with integrity, dedication and with deep love. Saint Charles Borromeo, the great sixteenth century theologian, Cardinal of Milan and architect of a renewal in the formation of the clergy, points to this passage of Romans when reflecting upon the duties of the clergy. He wanted parish priests to be holy and joyful shepherds. They should attend to the care of souls with carefulness and
dedication, so that people will thrive in their relationship with the Lord. He says that those they meet are to be “warmed by the fire of their charity.” Similarly, Saint Charles encourages the laity to a life of prayerfulness, diligence and constant awareness that everyone is a servant of God, acknowledging that every action should be dedicated to him and to his glory. Jesus’ parable presents the contrasting attitude of pursuing one’s own interests and ignoring God’s invitation to share in his joy. Saint Charles invites us to find joy in God’s love and to see all our actions as opportunities to show love.
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