Mon, 4 Nov ‘24
Monday of the XXXI Week of the Year
Philippians 2:1-4. Luke 14:12-14
You will be repaid!
‘We who have received everything from God pay him back here and now.’
According to the gospel reading of the day, Jesus is still at the dinner at the Pharisee’s house. He healed a person suffering from dropsy; he taught the guests not to take the seats of honour; now his attention turns to the host of the dinner. Jesus instructs whom to invite for dinner.
The instruction begins with the concept of ‘reciprocity’ or ‘repaying.’ Our social relationships are built on the principle of reciprocity, or repaying. Human persons in relationships, like in a mirror, continue to reflect each other. When I call you over the phone, you too must call me over the phone; when I give you a gift, you too must give me a gift; when I wish you on your birthday, you too must wish me on my birthday; if I invite you for dinner, you too must invite me for dinner. Our relationships are grounded in reciprocity, and reciprocity implies an expectation.
Why are our relationships based on reciprocity?
(a) It reduces our fear and insecurity; (b) We have a feeling that I merit something in return; and (c) Since what I have given others is the fruit of my labour, I don’t want it to be wasted.
Jesus transforms our understanding of reciprocity: “Do not call the ones who would repay you for your dinner; rather, call the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind!” These people can’t repay. But God repays on their behalf.
What are the implications of Jesus’ advice?
(a) Whatever we have is a gift from God. Though our riches are the fruits of our hard work, skills, and talents, it is God who brings our efforts to fruition.
(b) During the time of Jesus, the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind were called sinners. Nobody acknowledged their presence. But Jesus acknowledges their dignity and respect.
(c) The resources of this world could be converted into investments for the other world. Jesus expands the vision of our lives. Jesus’ advice goes beyond the counsel of Prov 19:17: ‘He who lends to the poor lends it to God.’
(d) We often want to identify ourselves with those who are equal to us or those who are above us. God takes sides with the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. When these people become our guests, we become equal to God. ‘Our standard of living is measured by our standard of giving.’
In the first reading, Saint Paul, exhorts the church at Philippi to be concerned about others.
‘We who have received everything from God pay him back here and now.’
On today’s memorial:
Saint Charles Borromeo stands as a powerful example of selfless dedication to God and the Church. He poured himself into the service of others, driven by deep compassion and unwavering faith. Amid challenges, he reformed, educated, and led with humility, always placing Christ at the center of his mission. May his life inspire us to be diligent in our calling, to serve with love and integrity, and to seek holiness in all we do for God’s people
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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ know that giving to the poor is an expression of fraternal love. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 239).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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