Reading 1
eph 6:1-9
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling,
in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
not only when being watched, as currying favor,
but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
willingly serving the Lord and not men,
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Masters, act in the same way towards them, and stop bullying,
knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven
and that with him there is no partiality.
Responsorial Psalm
ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
R. (13c) The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Gospel
lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
THEME: THE LORD OF THE WORKS AND THE WORKS OF THE LORD
"Let all Your works give You thanks, O Lord." –Psalm 145:10
When the Bible uses the word "slaves," it usually corresponds to our word "employees." Thus, we may find five commandments for employees in today's first reading.
"Obey your human masters with the reverence, the awe, and the sincerity you owe to Christ" (Eph 6:5). This applies not only to the good and reasonable bosses, "but even those who are harsh" (1 Pt 2:18). This is not possible naturally, but is a "work of grace" (1 Pt 2:19)."Do not render service for appearance only and to please men" (Eph 6:6). Paul said: "If I were trying to win man's approval, I would surely not be serving Christ!" (Gal 1:10)"Do God's will with your whole heart as slaves of Christ" (Eph 6:6). Because we love Jesus with our whole heart (see Mt 22:37), we work with our whole heart."Give your service willingly"(Eph 6:7). "Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7).Do "it for the Lord rather than men" (Eph 6:7).
The Bible tells us Who to work for, how to work, how not to work, and how to relate to our bosses. If we work accordingly, not "for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal" (Jn 6:27), we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as our reward (Col 3:24). Work for love of the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, may I put in a good day's work for You each day.
PROMISE: "Try to come in through the narrow door." –Lk 13:24
PRAISE: Starting her day with Mass helps Carol work cheerfully and zealously.
Be an inspiration, kindly Share.
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