November 03, 2025 Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Romans 11:29-36; Luke 14:12-14
Paul begins the reading today with an emphatic statement to the Jewish people. He says, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). He does not condemn them for their disobedience but rather tells them that their disobedience brought down the mercy of God. Our God proved Himself to be a merciful God and not someone who loves to punish them. With awe and wonder, Paul admires God’s judgment as unsearchable and His ways inscrutable. As human persons with all our limitations, we cannot afford to know God’s ways. None of us has given God a gift in order to receive it back. No return gift is possible as we have not offered Him anything. Paul concludes the text of today with an act of faith. Yes! It is through Jesus Christ that everything was made and everything exists. He is worthy of glory forever and ever! Amen.
Return gift, return speech and so on is one of the common norms in festivals and celebrations. Jesus tells his listeners and us to change this custom. If God had to expect such returns gifts and speeches we would never be able to adequately respond to him. Therefore, he expects us to invite those unfortunate people who are not invited to any lunch or dinner. It is good to honour our friends and well-wishers in many ways. How many couples and consecrated women and men celebrate their jubilees and anniversaries in the company of the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind? Since these people cannot repay the one who invites, he or she will qualify himself or herself to enter into the presence of the Lord. When we receive all the rewards here itself there will be nothing left for God the Father to reward. Those who are not recognized and appreciated by humans will save treasures in heaven.
Already in 16th and 17th centuries, St. Martin de Porres was inspired to fight for social justice and racial harmony. He is a saint known for his service with kindness.
Call to Action: Blessed are those who find joy in serving others. How many of us are able to walk an extra mile to be helpful to others?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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