Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday November 3, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Philippians 2:5-11: Christ, though divine, chose humility and obedience, even to death, and was thus exalted by God, that all might acknowledge Him as Lord.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: I’ll honor my vows to God, and the humble will celebrate His provision. All nations will acknowledge God’s sovereignty and future generations will learn of His justice.
- Gospel – Luke 14:15-24: Jesus tells a parable of a man whose invited guests make excuses to avoid his dinner, leading him to invite the less fortunate instead. He insists that his feast be full, declaring that the original invitees will not get a taste of his banquet.
Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.
Luke 14:23-24
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to reflect on humility, obedience, and our response to God’s invitation. Paul calls us to imitate Christ’s humility, and Jesus tells a parable about those who ignore a generous invitation.
- Humility of Christ: Paul describes how Jesus took the form of a servant and humbled Himself. This calls us to follow His example by putting aside pride and serving others.
- God’s invitation: In the parable, Jesus speaks of a feast where many invited guests refuse to come. This reminds us of God’s call to us and the need to accept His invitation.
- Obedience to God: Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will is shown as a model for our lives. We are called to trust God’s plan and follow His guidance, even when it is difficult.
- Acceptance of the lowly: In the parable, those who are poor and overlooked are invited to the feast. This shows God’s desire to welcome everyone, especially those whom society often ignores.
- Avoiding excuses: The guests in the parable make excuses to avoid attending the feast. This warns us not to let distractions keep us from responding to God’s call.
- Honoring Christ as Lord: Paul reminds us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. We are invited to honor Him now through our actions and choices.
These themes from Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us to live with humility, attentiveness, and readiness to follow God’s call. By imitating Christ and accepting God’s invitation, we grow in faith and closeness to Him.
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings bring powerful reminders of humility, service, and responding to God’s invitation with open hearts. Paul’s words in Philippians show us Jesus’ humble obedience, while the Gospel parable of the great feast reveals God’s wide invitation to all people. These themes encourage us to consider how we can follow Jesus more closely by living with humility, recognizing the value of others, and responding to God’s call without hesitation.
Christ’s Humility and Our Call to Serve
On Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul reminds us of Jesus’ choice to humble Himself, taking the form of a servant. Even though Jesus is above all, He did not seek power or recognition; instead, He put the needs of others first, even to the point of suffering. Jesus’ humility serves as a model for each of us, showing that true greatness comes from serving others and not from seeking to elevate ourselves.
This humble attitude can be challenging, as we are often encouraged to focus on our achievements and recognition. However, like Jesus, we are called to put aside pride and serve willingly. Jesus reminds us that true service is quiet and self-giving, and that we don’t need approval from others to make a difference. Serving humbly might mean putting our own desires aside to help someone in need or listening to others without needing to be heard ourselves.
Paul’s message for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to follow Jesus’ example by asking ourselves where we can bring humility into our lives. This might look like focusing on someone else’s needs, or refraining from seeking praise. Through small acts of kindness and self-giving, we can imitate Christ’s humility and make His love visible to others.
God’s Invitation to All
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus tells a parable about a feast where those who are overlooked and forgotten are invited to join. Many who were originally invited decline, but those who are poor, vulnerable, and often ignored are brought in to share the meal. This story shows God’s invitation is open to everyone, especially those who feel unworthy or left out.
Jesus’ parable reminds us that God doesn’t look at our status or outward appearance but sees the heart. In a world that often favors wealth or power, God’s invitation reaches out to everyone, regardless of background or social standing. The feast symbolizes the Kingdom of God, where love and compassion are more important than status or achievements. Everyone has a place at God’s table.
On Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, this parable challenges us to see others through God’s eyes. Who in our lives needs a gesture of welcome? Perhaps it’s someone who feels isolated, or someone who has been overlooked. By inviting them into friendship or kindness, we share God’s open invitation and reflect His welcoming heart.
Accepting God’s Invitation with Open Hearts
Both readings for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the importance of responding to God’s invitation with openness and readiness. Jesus’ parable shows that some who were invited to the feast made excuses not to attend, while Paul’s message about Jesus’ humility shows us what true acceptance of God’s will looks like. Jesus accepted His mission wholeheartedly, and this sets an example for how we are called to respond to God.
Often, we may ignore God’s call, distracted by daily responsibilities, concerns, or personal priorities. Just like those who were too busy to attend the feast, we can become focused on our own plans. But the readings encourage us to make space in our lives for God’s call. Jesus’ obedience shows that following God sometimes means putting aside our own agenda to serve and trust in His plan for us.
On Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are invited to renew our commitment to God. We can ask ourselves where we might be avoiding His call, and where we can become more open to His guidance. By saying “yes” to God, we are invited to the “feast” of His love and grace, which brings true peace and purpose to our lives.
Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenges us to reflect on how we live out humility, compassion, and openness to God’s invitation. Jesus’ example and teaching show us that true discipleship means a life of service and generosity. As we embrace these values, may we grow closer to Christ and bring His love to others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me follow Your example of humility and service. Teach me to put others before myself and to see each person as loved by You. Open my heart to Your call, and give me courage to say “yes” to Your plans. May I serve You faithfully each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I make humility a greater part of my life and actions?
- Who might be the “overlooked” people in my life who need love and attention?
- In what ways can I open my heart to God’s call, even if it challenges my plans?
- How can I reflect God’s welcome to those who feel isolated or forgotten?
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Order of Preachers: He Loves Us
In a reflection from The Order of Preachers for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Fr. Gregory Heille explores Philippians 2:5-11. Heille emphasizes how Jesus, though fully divine, humbled himself as a servant in human form, showing deep solidarity with the suffering. He encourages Christians to adopt Christ’s mindset by reaching out to those on society’s margins, where Jesus is present in the lives of the oppressed. This call to serve others, especially the voiceless, is a path to experiencing Christ’s love and showing His love in action, bringing hope and freedom to our world.
Word on Fire: A Call to Accept God’s Invitation
In his reflection for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron explains that the Gospel compares the kingdom of heaven to a king’s wedding feast for his son. This feast symbolizes God’s invitation to join in a close relationship with Him through Christ, who unites divinity and humanity. Bishop Barron emphasizes the importance of accepting God’s call and warns against making excuses. God’s invitation to this “banquet” is an invitation to joy and unity with Him, urging us to place God at the center of our lives and respond wholeheartedly.
USCCB Reflection: Accepting God’s Invitation
In a USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Deacon Arthur Miller reflects on Jesus’ parable of a king’s invitation to a feast. Many initially decline, but the king opens his doors to anyone willing to come, showing God’s invitation to all. Deacon Miller compares this to our call to love others and prioritize community, despite excuses or differences. He also reminds Catholics of their civic duty to vote, emphasizing that participation is part of honoring the gifts and rights we have. With love and unity, we can all join God’s “great feast.”
Dynamic Catholic: What’s Your Excuse?
In a reflection from Dynamic Catholic for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly discusses Jesus’ parable about a banquet from the Gospel of Luke. In the parable, those invited make excuses not to attend, but the host is determined to fill his house, inviting others from all places. Kelly emphasizes that, like the people in the parable, we often make excuses that keep us from responding to God’s invitation. God offers us a place in His Kingdom with open hospitality, welcoming us warmly. Kelly challenges us to let go of excuses and fully accept God’s invitation.
Turning toward the Good
In this reflection from Fr. Richard Rohr, Christianity is seen as more mystical than moralistic, suggesting we’ve focused too much on morality like a chore, and not enough on love and joy. The dualistic mind, which focuses on judgement and division, is criticized for leading to conflict. Positive thoughts, compared to negative ones, don’t stick as easily; one must consciously savor them. This is supported by neuroscience, which shows our brains have a negativity bias. True Christianity, likened to a wedding feast in Luke 14:15, invites all to a space of non-judgment and unity, a stark contrast to the exclusionary practices often observed. The teaching is to love others as oneself, a simple yet challenging command.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Tuesday November 3, 2026.
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. For odd numbered years see Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Tuesday November 3, 2026 are:
First Reading – Philippians 2:5-11: Humility in Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: Praise and Promise
Gospel – Luke 14:15-24: Parable of the Great Dinner
What does it mean that Jesus humbled himself in the first reading for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Paul says that Jesus chose a humble path, even though He is above all. This means that Jesus served others instead of seeking power, and we’re called to live in the same humble way.
Why is obedience so important in the readings?
Jesus shows that obedience to God is central. Jesus followed the Father’s will fully, and we are also called to trust and obey God in our own lives, even when it’s difficult.
What does it mean that every knee will bow to Jesus?
The first reading explains that one day all will recognize Jesus as Lord. This is an invitation to honor Jesus now in our words and actions, rather than waiting.
What is the feast mentioned in the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The feast is a symbol of God’s invitation to be close to Him. God invites each of us to this “feast,” which is a life of friendship with Him.
Why did the guests in the parable refuse the invitation?
Some invited guests made excuses not to attend the feast. This reflects how we sometimes avoid God’s call because of distractions or placing other things first.
What does the reading say about those who accepted the invitation?
Those who accepted the invitation were people who were usually overlooked. This shows that God’s love is for everyone, especially those who feel left out.
How can we accept God’s invitation in our lives?
Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that we accept God’s invitation by making time for prayer, going to Mass, and living out our faith in simple ways each day. Being open to God’s love is key.
How can we apply humility in our daily lives?
We follow Jesus’ humility by serving others and putting their needs above our own. Being humble also means admitting when we need God’s help.
What can we learn about God’s character from these readings?
God is generous, welcoming, and open to everyone who seeks Him. He invites each of us to His “feast” and offers us friendship, even when we are imperfect.
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