Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Romans 11:29-36: God's gifts and calling are unchanging. Through His mercy, He extends salvation to all, revealing His unfathomable riches, wisdom, and knowledge.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Philippians 2:1-4: If you find comfort in Christ, then unite in love, spirit, and purpose, placing others above yourself, not acting from selfish ambition but with humility.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 69: In my suffering, I seek God's protection and respond with praise and thanksgiving, knowing He hears the poor and will restore and bless His people.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 131: My heart is humble, not seeking grandeur but resting content like a child in its mother's arms, placing my hope in the Lord forever.
• Gospel - Luke 14:12-14: Jesus advises hosting meals for the underprivileged instead of friends and family, emphasizing the virtue of serving those who cannot repay, promising divine reward at the resurrection for such selfless acts.

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. or you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Luke 14:13-14

• Altruism without Expectation of Reciprocity: Jesus advises hosting those who cannot repay the favor. This promotes the idea of selfless giving, where the reward is not material or immediate but is of a spiritual nature.
• Social Inclusivity: The passage encourages the inclusion of the less fortunate in social gatherings. It suggests a theme of extending community and fellowship to all, regardless of their social standing or ability to reciprocate.
• Reward in the Resurrection: Jesus mentions that those who give without seeking return will be rewarded in the resurrection of the righteous. This introduces the concept of eternal rewards for earthly actions aligned with spiritual virtues.

In the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Luke 14:12-14, Jesus challenges societal norms by encouraging us to extend hospitality to those who cannot repay us—the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. This passage invites us to reflect on our motivations for who we include in our personal circles. It’s easy to gravitate towards those who can offer us something in return, whether it’s influence, friendship, or comfort. Yet, Jesus points us in a different direction.

He urges us to think about those who are often overlooked. The call is not only to assist materially but also to offer the kind of personal acknowledgment and time that can’t be repaid. This can be uncomfortable. It asks us to step out of our comfort zones and to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet, especially those who are marginalized.

Our faith grows when we are willing to be present with those who are on the fringes of society. This is where Jesus says we will find true blessing. Reflecting on this gospel passage may lead us to ask ourselves: How are we responding to this call? Are we willing to give our time and attention where it is not easy or comfortable? The answers may lead to a deeper understanding of what it means to live out the Gospel message.

Prayer

Jesus, give me a compassionate heart like yours. Help me treasure those on the margins and treat them like the most important people in the world. Amen.

Word on Fire: Focus on the Marginalized

In this reflection for Monday of the 31st in Ordinary Time, Bishop Barron emphasizes Jesus' directive to care for the vulnerable in society. Highlighting a recurring theme in the Gospels, he notes Jesus' focus on the weak and marginalized, including foreigners, widows, and the poor. He links this to the wider Christian teaching that stresses the moral imperative to share with those in need. Bishop Barron reminds his audience of the importance of not ignoring those less fortunate and integrating this concern into our daily lives.

USCCB Reflection: Serving Humility

This USCCB video reflection brings up a story of serving at a soup kitchen and being criticized for the meal. This encounter with a homeless man highlights the shared humanity and struggles we all face. It reminds us that we're all similar, despite different circumstances. This experience connects with the Gospel, which calls us to invite and serve those who are disadvantaged. The Gospel message encourages us to see beyond social differences and recognize our common vulnerabilities. It teaches us that in serving and connecting with others, especially the less fortunate, we fulfill a crucial Christian principle that brings us closer to the essence of our faith.

What date is Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

The upcoming dates are

• November 4, 2024

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

First Reading (Cycle 1) - Romans 11:29-36: Mercy and Wisdom of God
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 69: Trusting in God’s Salvation
Gospel - Luke 14:12-14: True Hospitality Rewarded

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

First Reading (Cycle 2) - Philippians 2:1-4: Unity and Humility
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 131: Humble and Peaceful Trust
Gospel - Luke 14:12-14: True Hospitality Rewarded

What happens in the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus advises the host of a dinner not to invite friends, family, or rich neighbors who can repay the kindness. Instead, He suggests inviting the poor, crippled, lame, and blind, who cannot repay, promising that the reward for such a gesture will come from God.

Why does Jesus recommend inviting those who cannot repay in the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

Inviting those who cannot repay ensures that the act of giving is selfless and genuine. Luke 14:12-14 reflects a generosity that seeks no personal gain, mirroring the unconditional love and grace that God offers to humanity.

What is the significance of the reward being in the resurrection of the just in the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

The promise of a reward in the "resurrection of the just" places the focus on eternal, rather than temporal, rewards. Luke 14:12-14 aligns acts of kindness with spiritual merit and ultimate justice in God's kingdom, rather than immediate earthly benefits.

How does the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time relate to the concept of altruism?

Luke 14:12-14 is a direct call to altruism—selfless concern for the well-being of others. It encourages actions motivated by genuine compassion rather than the expectation of a return, highlighting a core value in Christian ethics.

What does Jesus imply about social status and the kingdom of God in the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus implies that in the kingdom of God, social status is irrelevant. The emphasis is on actions of compassion and humility rather than social reciprocity.

Is Jesus suggesting we should never host our friends and family in the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time?

Luke 14:12-14 isn't prohibiting hospitality towards one’s personal circle but is instead broadening the concept of hospitality to include those outside it, especially those in need who are often overlooked.

How can we apply the gospel for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time in our modern context?

We can apply this teaching by looking for ways to help those who are less fortunate without seeking recognition or reward. This could be through charity work, volunteering, or simply acts of kindness towards those who cannot offer anything material in return.

What does Paul mean by God's gifts and calling being unchanging in the first reading for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In Romans 11:29-36, Paul is saying that God's promises and the calling He gives to people are irrevocable. God is faithful and does not change His mind about those He chooses and blesses.

How does Paul describe God's nature in the first reading for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In Romans 11:29-36, Paul describes God’s nature as rich in wisdom and knowledge, with His judgments and ways being beyond human understanding, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and omniscience.

What is the significance of God extending mercy to all in the first reading for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In Romans 11:29-36, the significance is that salvation is available to everyone, not limited by past mistakes or identity, showcasing God’s inclusive and merciful character.

What is the psalmist's response to suffering, according to the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Psalm 69 encourages turning to God for deliverance, maintaining a response of praise and thanksgiving, showing trust in God’s attentive care for those in need.

How does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help inspire people today?

Psalm 69 inspires people to remain hopeful and faithful in the midst of suffering, encouraging them to praise and thank God despite challenging circumstances.

What does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 suggest about God's care for the poor?

Psalm 69 suggests that God is especially attentive to the poor, promising restoration and blessings for those who are suffering and marginalized.

How do the themes of God's mercy and selfless service intersect in these readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

God's unchanging mercy parallels the call to selfless service; as we have received mercy, we are to extend it to others without seeking personal gain.

What do these readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 tell us about God’s expectations for how we treat others?

These readings suggest that God expects us to act with generosity and humility, serving others as a response to His mercy, especially those who cannot repay us.

How can reflecting on these readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 affect the way we interact with those in need?

Reflecting on these readings can motivate us to reach out to those in need with a pure heart, recognizing this as a form of worship and aligning ourselves with God’s generosity.

What does Paul suggest about unity in the community of believers in the first readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul urges believers to be united in love, spirit, and purpose, fostering a community that supports and uplifts one another, setting aside selfish ambitions.

How does Paul define humility in the first readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul defines humility as considering others more significant than oneself and looking out for the interests of others in addition to one's own.

How can we apply Paul's teachings on humility in the first readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our daily lives?

We can apply Paul’s teachings from Philippians 2:1-4 by actively valuing others’ needs and perspectives, cooperating rather than competing, and helping others without expecting anything in return.

What is the main message of the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message in Psalm 131 is about cultivating a heart of humility and trust in the Lord, symbolized by the contented rest of a child in its mother’s arms.

How does the image of a child with its mother from the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reflect the believer’s relationship with God?

This image in Psalm 131 reflects a peaceful and trusting dependence on God, free from pride or ambition, similar to how a child trusts and relies on a parent.

In what ways can the simplicity and humility described in the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be a model for personal spirituality?

This simplicity and humility in Psalm 131 can model for us a way of life that prioritizes inner peace and trust in God over the pursuit of worldly status or recognition.

What do these readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 collectively say about the Christian attitude towards selflessness and humility?

Collectively, these readings promote an attitude of selflessness and humility, encouraging believers to care for others and to trust in God rather than seeking personal glory or gain.

How do the concepts of unity and humility in the first reading and psalm for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 connect with the Gospel's message on hospitality?

The concepts of unity and humility form a foundation for the type of hospitality Jesus talks about in the Gospel, which is not self-serving but seeks the well-being of others.

What practical steps can be taken to cultivate the qualities of humility and selfless service as suggested by these readings for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Practical steps include actively listening to and supporting others, engaging in acts of kindness without seeking recognition, and regularly participating in community service or charitable work.