Philippians 3:3-8, Psalm 105:2-7, Luke 15:1-10

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Mt. 11:28

Philippians 3:3-8, Psalm 105:2-7, Luke 15:1-10


Philippians 3:3-8


My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Circumcision was the sign that God required of the sons of Abraham to remind them of the Covenant He made with them. But we, having received the Spirit of God through You, made one with Your Body, are the true sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are Your brothers and sisters and with You, we share the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. We are co-heirs with You.

If we put our confidence in anything other than in You we cannot be saved. Nothing and no one can save us apart from You. Faith in You has the power to open the gates of the Kingdom of God to us there is no other way to the Father. 

Paul, speaking about his Jewish inheritance says that he could boast with the best of them of being a true son of Abraham and a righteous follower of the Law of Moses but he now knows that the Law is powerless to save. Salvation comes from You alone. And abiding joy comes from knowing You and loving You who are all good and worthy of all our love.

Psalm 105:2-7

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

It is our duty always and everywhere to sing Your praise and to tell of the wonderful things that You have done for us. The more we praise You the greater will be our capacity to truly appreciate all You do for us. 

Thank You for grace that kindles in our hearts a desire to seek You and on finding You in all the circumstances of our lives, to rejoice. Our strength comes from You. Thank You for becoming our food and drink which wells up to eternal life. When our faith is weak all we need to do is look at all You have done for us in the past, how You saved us, and our soul will soar once more on eagle's wings.

Thank You for the work You have entrusted to me. Grant that I may always seek to serve You as I serve those around me faithfully every day. Thank You for claiming me as Your own and for the confidence I have that I belong to You.

Luke 15:1-10

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Many of us like the Pharisees and Scribes believe that because of our power, position or wealth we have a right to exclude those less fortunate a place with us at the table. They actually make their contempt visible. In fact, they would prefer not to see them for then perhaps it could trouble their conscience if they have one. 

If we are honest with ourselves, we can all recall times when we expected to be recognized, honored, and singled out for praise. We have thought ourselves better than others, looked down on others, pushed and elbowed our way to the front because we believed it was our right. 

Thankfully for those who are looked down upon and excluded, there is a God who sees them,  and loves them and will go out in search for them. He will not rest until all His sheep are safe in the fold.

For those of us who have been discriminated against for whatever reason, let us remember what it feels like and make sure that we do not discriminate against anyone. 

All of us are invited to the Banquet. All of us are saved by the same God. In God's eyes, we are all His children equal in His sight and entitled to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.