Mass readings for Monday, 3 November 2025 (Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time)

 

🙏 Opening Prayer

Lord God,
You call us by name and invite us into your mercy. Grant us the humility to receive your gifts and the generosity to give without expecting anything in return. As we gather in your presence today, may our hearts be open to your Word and our lives reflect your boundless love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.



📖 Readings

First Reading – Romans 11:29-36

“The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. … For from him and through him and for him are all things. To God be glory for ever. Amen.” USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 69:30-31, 33-34, 36

“R. Lord, in your great love, answer me. … Let the poor see and rejoice; seek God, and your soul shall live. For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” USCCB+1

Alleluia Verse – Jesus Christ / John 8:31b-32

“Alleluia, alleluia. If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Alleluia.” USCCB

Gospel – Luke 14:12-14

“When you hold a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbours in case they may invite you back and so repay you. Rather, when you have a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; then you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you — for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” USCCB+1


💡 Reflection & Application

What the readings teach us:

  • In the First Reading (Romans 11:29-36), Paul proclaims that God’s gifts and call are irrevocable — God does not go back on his promise. God’s ways and judgments are beyond our full comprehension. USCCB

  • The Psalm reminds us that God hears the poor and the oppressed; seeking God brings life.

  • In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the usual way of inviting friends or equals to a banquet. He instead urges inviting those who cannot repay us — the poor, the lame, the blind, the marginalized — and promises a special blessing for doing so (Luke 14:12-14).

Applications (for Catholics and catechumens):

  1. Gratitude for God’s call: Reflect that you are chosen by God, gifted with his mercy (Romans 11:30-31). Even when you felt far from God, his mercy reached you. Let this strengthen your gratitude and trust.

  2. Generosity without strings: In your daily life (family, parish, work, communities), practice inviting, helping or beingfriend those who cannot repay you. Whether it's offering time, compassion, a listening ear, or material aid — seek those on the margins and serve them.

  3. Humility in God’s wisdom: Recognise that we cannot fully understand God’s ways (Romans 11:33-34). When things don’t make sense — suffering, injustice, unanswered prayers — we cling to faith that God is working mercy even then.

  4. Solidarity with the poor and oppressed: The Psalm and Gospel emphasise turning to those in need. As catechumens preparing for full communion, or as practising Catholics, let your faith move you toward action: volunteer, give alms, advocate, bear witness.

  5. Living the Word: The Alleluia invites us to remain in the Word of Jesus and know the truth (John 8:31-32). Let today be an opportunity to meditate on Scripture, to internalise Christ’s teaching and allow it to shape how you live.

For catechumens: This day’s readings invite you deeper into the mystery of God’s call and mercy. As you prepare for full initiation, reflect: How is God calling me? How can I respond generously, especially toward those in need? Let your spiritual formation include both prayer and service.

For all: May the Lord’s boundless wisdom and mercy guide us to lives of humble service, thankful hearts, and generous hands.


🙌 Closing Prayer

Father of compassion and boundless love,
You have called us and gifted us without condition. Help us to remain in your Word and to live it boldly. May our lives be signs of your mercy to all whom we meet, especially the poor and the needy. As we go forth, may we carry your light into a world in need of hope and healing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


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