1ST READING
Paul cannot understand why the Jews have failed to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In chapters nine to 11 of his letter to the Romans, he tries to figure this out but fails at every attempt. Sometimes, we just do not understand why things happen. Many people choose to do what they want and we can’t do anything to change that.
Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29
1 Brothers and sisters: I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Of course not! For I too am a child of Israel, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 11 Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make them jealous. 12 Now if their transgression is enrichment for the world, and if their diminished number is enrichment for the Gentiles, how much more their full number? 25 I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not become wise in your own estimation: a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, 26 and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; 27 and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins. 28 In respect to the Gospel, they are enemies on your account; but in respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
P S A L M
Psalm 94:12-13, 14-15, 17-18
R: The Lord will not abandon his people.
12 Blessed the man whom you instruct, O Lord, whom by your law you teach, 13 giving him rest from evil days. (R) 14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance; 15 but judgment shall again be with justice, and all the upright of heart shall follow it. (R) 17 Were not the Lord my help, my soul would soon dwell in the silent grave. 18 When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your mercy, O Lord, sustains me. (R)
GOSPEL
When we go to a party, we should never assume that we are the most important guest. All of the glory belongs to God, not us. It is not for us to claim credit for the good works that He does through us. Again, to God belongs all the glory. It is when we start thinking too highly of ourselves that sin enters in, and we do more harm than good by our actions.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
Luke 14:1, 7-11
1 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 7 He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9 and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 10 Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you, he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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