Today’s first reading from Romans 12 is amazingly rich. In the first part of the reading, St. Paul talks about different jobs within the Body of Christ. The second part of the reading is what I like to call the gospel in a nutshell. Spend a few minutes today really reflecting on how you are doing with these admonitions in Romans 12.
In the Gospel reading from Luke 14, Jesus tells a story about a man who invited everyone to a huge banquet. When the man sends his servant out to offer the invitation, everyone gave some excuse as to why they would not be coming. “I have purchased a field…I have purchased five yoke of oxen…I have just married a woman…” One excuse after another. Does this sound all too familiar? Of course we know that the banquet is the wedding feast of the Lamb. As Catholics, we know this is the Mass. Yet still we find excuses to avoid this magnificent feast.
“Oh, I just bought a new car, boat, jetski, timeshare….” “Sorry, big game on TV today! Maybe another time…” “I was out late at a party last night. Gotta get some sleep!” “The kids have soccer, baseball, gymnastics, dance recital…” I’m sure we could list thousands of others. It begs the question – Where is your priority? Can you spare God one hour a week to attend His feast? Or will there be just another excuse?
Father, forgive us for the many times we make excuses not to attend the banquet. Help us to always make You the first priority in our lives. Amen.
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