Paul’s spirit is a reflection of Jesus’ own sacrificial love for humanity!

October 31, 2025 Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Romans 9:1-5; Luke 14:1-6

Paul who addresses the Romans and consequently the Christians of modern times is in pain and deep sorrow when he thinks of Jews, the people of his religion and race. He calls the Jews as “my kindred according to the flesh” (Romans 9:3). The reason for the hurt is: They rejected Jesus out rightly. In order to save his kinsmen Paul is even ready and willing to be separated from Christ. The spirit of sacrifice of Paul shines well in this brief passage. Paul’s spirit is a reflection of Jesus’ own sacrificial love for humanity. The failure of Jewish people in not recognizing and rejecting the Messiah pained him so much. Thus Paul is seen opening his heart to the Gentile believers. After all, it is God’s plan to include both Jews and the Gentiles. This passage should challenge us modern believers to open the doors of our houses and churches to all kinds of people.

Jesus is a guest in the house of a leader of the Pharisees. It is a Sabbath day. He is the centre of attraction. The Pharisee and all the people around are watching him closely. There appears before Jesus a man who is affected by dropsy. A person in need is always the most significant person for Jesus. Jesus asks the people at the dinner if it is lawful to cure this sick man on Sabbath. They are silent. After healing the man, Jesus asks them once again if any of them would save a child or an ox that fell into a well. They are silent once again. This repeated silence is not because they don’t know the answer but because they are cunning and cruel. They want to test Jesus. They want to trap him. They wish to find fault with him. Alas! They didn’t understand that their attitude was self-condemning!

Call to Action: Silence is gold but speech is silver. It is not true always and everywhere. What is more important is to be honest and sincere!