Gospel: November 4, 2025
November 4, 2025 (Tuesday)
31st Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 / (White)
St. Charles Borromeo, bishop
Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
1st Reading: Romans 12:5-16ab
The same with us; being many, we are one body in Christ, depending on one another. Let each one of us, therefore, serve, according to our different gifts. Are you a prophet? Then give the insights of faith. Let the minister fulfill his office; let the teacher teach, the one who encourages, convince.
You must, likewise, give, with an open hand, preside with dedication, and be cheerful in your works of charity. Let love be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good. Love one another and be considerate. Outdo one another, in mutual respect. Be zealous in fulfilling your duties. Be fervent in the spirit, and serve God. Have hope and be cheerful. Be patient in trials and pray constantly. Share with other Christians in need. With those passing by, be ready to receive them. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not wish evil on anyone. Rejoice with those who are joyful, and weep with those who weep. Live in peace with one another. Do not dream of extraordinary things; be humble and do not hold yourselves as wise.
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 16th 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.
