Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 4 November ‘25
Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
Romans 12:5-16; Luke 14:15-24
Responding to the Call
When someone at the table said to Jesus, “Happy are those who will share in the feast of the Kingdom of God!”, he meant it as a blessing. But Jesus knew that the Kingdom’s banquet is not something easily accepted by everyone. In fact, his story shows that many who are invited may not taste it at all.
In Jesus’ parable, three people refuse the invitation, each with a different reason: (a) “I have bought a piece of land” – property. (b) “I have to test my oxen” – work. (c) “I have just married” – relationship.
Possessions, work, and relationships often become barriers to discipleship.
When the invited guests reject the invitation, the master sends his servants to the streets and lanes to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. They are even urged strongly to come in. These are the very people, Jesus said in yesterday’s gospel, whom we should invite when we host a feast. Yet, Jesus now adds another lesson: those invited must also make themselves worthy of the invitation.
If we see the “banquet of God’s Kingdom” as the “call to life,” then we often behave like those first guests. We make excuses, or we hesitate to rise up to the responsibility and joy of the call we have received.
In today’s first reading, Paul urges every believer to use the gifts God has given them for the good of the community. Each one has a unique grace that builds up the body of Christ.
When we use our gifts generously, we become people who respond fully to God’s invitation—the call to live, serve, and love with gratitude.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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