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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Invite the poor

Invite the poor

Published Nov 3, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Nov 2, 2025 02:54 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches his disciples and all those following him about throwing parties. They should invite the beggars and those with disabilities who have no way of inviting back nor of returning the favor. Jesus does this after teaching them to be humble when invited. They should not imitate the Pharisees who think they are VIPs and, therefore, are entitled to have the best seats at receptions. Doing so courts embarrassment and loss of face. As he teaches his listeners to be humble always, Jesus repeats his point: invite the poor and those who cannot afford similar lifestyles, and avoid self-serving social functions.
Sharing one’s meal with the poor and the disabled is meritorious. God is pleased to see a party where the poor are invited and treated with dignity.
First Reading • Rom 11:29-36
Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord/ or who has been his counselor? Or who has given him anything/ that he may be repaid? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To God be glory forever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 69
“Lord, in your great love, answer me.”
Gospel • Lk 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 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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