Daily Readings for October 31, 2016

1ST READING

Paul returns once again to the topic of unity. In his letters, Paul addresses this topic so it must have been a problem in these early communities. The Gospel breaks down the class barriers and wealth because we are all equal in God’s eyes. There is nothing to set us apart from each other once we have faith in Him.

Philippians 2:1-4

1 Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.

P S A L M

Psalm 131:1, 2, 3

R: In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

1 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. (R) 2 Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. (R) 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (R)

GOSPEL

This parable is about the things that really matter and not in getting caught up in the sideshows that paralyze and captivate the world. This is a challenge for us. The temptations of the world are constant and persistent. Let us focus on the rewards of eternal life. Leave behind our thoughts of worldly glory. Let us pray for the grace of holiness every day.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

Luke 14:12-14

12 On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”