DAILY MASS READINGS 11th November, 2014 Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries Liturgical Colour: White #1st Reading: TITUS 2:1-8, 11-14 Beloved: You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us. For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. . . . The word of the Lord.... #Responsorial Psalm PS 37:3-4, 18 AND 23, 27 AND 29. R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted; their inheritance lasts forever. By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; The just shall possess the land and dwell in it forever. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. #Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:4 Alleluia, alleluia! Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Alleluia! Or John 14:23 Alleluia, alleluia! If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him. Alleluia! #Gospel: LUKE 17:7-10 Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” . . . The Gospel of the Lord.... We are unworthy servants #Gospel: Luke 17:7-10 #Meditation: Are you ready to give the Lord your best, regardless of what it might cost you? Perhaps we are like the laborer in Jesus parable who expected special favor and reward for going the extra mile? How unfair for the master to compel his servant to give more than what was expected! Dont we love to assert our rights: I will give only what is required and no more! But who can satisfy the claims of love? We are called to serve God and neighbor selflessly and generously Jesus used this parable of the dutiful servant to explain that we can never put God in our debt or make the claim that God owes us something. We must regard ourselves as Gods servants, just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Service of God and of neighbor is both a voluntary or free act and a sacred duty. One can volunteer for service or be compelled to do service for ones country or ones family when special needs arise. Likewise, God expects us to give him the worship and praise which is his due. And he gladly accepts the free-will offering of our lives to him and to his service. What makes our offering pleasing to God is the love we express in the act of self-giving. True love is sacrificial, generous, and selfless. The love of God compels us to give our best How can we love others selflessly and unconditionally? Scripture tells us that God himself is love (1 John 4:16) - he is the author of life and the source of all true relationships of love and friendship. He created us in love for love, and he fills our hearts with the boundless love that gives whatever is good for the sake of another (Romans 5:5). If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). God honors the faithful servant who loves and serves others generously. He is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. We must remember, however, that God can never be indebted to us. We have no claim on him. His love compels us to give him our best! And when we have done our best, we have simply done our duty. We can never outmatch God in doing good and showing love. God loves us without measure. Does the love of God compel you to give your best? Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love, gratitude and generosity. Make me a faithful and zealous servant for you. May I generously pour out my life in loving service for you and for others, just as you have so generously poured yourself out in love for me. -dailyscripture.net May the word of God bless and heal our hearts in Jesus name. Amen!!!
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:49:31 +0000