Gospel 

Luke 14:12-14

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. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus' teachings often challenged societal norms. Today's passage reveals His expectations for genuine hospitality.

Key Principles

1. Redefining Hospitality

Jesus shifts focus from reciprocal invitations to selfless generosity.

1. Prioritizing the Marginalized

Invite those overlooked and underprivileged.

1. True Reward

Repaid at the resurrection of the righteous, not earthly reciprocation.

Implications for Us

1. Inclusive Gatherings

Welcome diverse individuals.

1. Selfless Service

Focus on giving, not receiving.

1. Eternal Perspective

Prioritize heavenly rewards.

Conclusion

Jesus' teachings inspire us to embrace inclusive hospitality.

Reflection Questions

1. Who can you invite to your table?

2. How can you demonstrate selfless generosity?

3. What eternal rewards do you seek?

Action Steps

1. Host community gatherings for diverse groups.

2. Volunteer at local charities.

3. Practice random acts of kindness.

Additional Resources

1. Explore biblical teachings on hospitality (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9).

2. Reflect on Jesus' interactions with outcasts (Matthew 9:10, Luke 19:1-10).

Key Verses

1. "Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind." (Luke 14:13)

2. "You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:14)

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, grant us hearts of inclusive hospitality. Help us invite the marginalized to our tables, the poor, crippled, lame and blind. May our generosity be selfless,

Not seeking earthly repayment. Let us find blessing in serving others,

And trust in Your promise of eternal reward. At the resurrection of the righteous, may our kindness be repaid.

Guide us to:

Embrace the overlooked

Welcome the stranger

Serve the underprivileged

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ