Daily Readings for November 6, 2017

1ST READING

God does not revoke His choice of the Jews as His people. In their refusal to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Jews disinherit themselves from the gift of the Gospel. But this does not change the fact that God has and will continue to bless the Jewish people. We all have the right to choose to accept the Gospel or not.

Romans 11:29-36

29 Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? 35 Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To God be glory forever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37

R: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

29 [30] But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! 33 [34] For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R) 35 [36] For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. They shall dwell in the land and own it, 36 [37] and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. (R)

GOSPEL

Currying favor with the rich and powerful is not going to make it easier for us to get into heaven. Serving the poor and the oppressed will. This is one of the ironies of the Gospel, which can be difficult to accept if one is used to moving in exalted circles. We just need to take a look at Jesus’ life to see that a life of service and love impresses Him the most. Connections and pedigreed families do not.

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.”