Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection November 06, 2024

06th November 2024 (Wednesday)

Psalter: Week 3

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

My beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 (R. 1a)

R/. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

At that time: Great crowds accompanied Jesus, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Wednesday – Thirty-First Week of Ordinary Time

Guidelines: Detachment is the essential condition for discipleship; One who does not grow in this attitude of detachment, will be a failed disciple

God’s call for us is very clear and straight. In the light of the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, God calls us to be a light like stars among a crooked and perverse generation. This is possible by constantly trying to do what pleases Him, by holding to the word of life. In other words, we seek always to do everything with docility without grumbling. We strive for our salvation with reverence and dedication. We seek ever to be God’s children without reproach, with no fault or blame.

In the light of the gospel, in relation to Jesus, this means to be a true disciple of Christ. And Discipleship is a free gift from God, in the sense that He extends His call irrespectively with no discriminations. However, one who adheres to His call, must also fit himself for the new venture.

Topmost priority to Jesus, unconditional love for him, unflinching zeal and commitment to His mission are the indispensable traits of a true disciple. But these are possible only when one is prepared to be totally detached from one’ s self and from one’s family. In fact, these two are the greatest areas which a person holds so dear and precious and is deeply attached. The issue is not the good or bad of family attachments but an unreserved and unrestricted love and attachment to Jesus. Excess love for family and self will be real hindrances to the “freedom” and “unconditionality” of loyalty, demanded by discipleship. St Charles Borromeo was such a disciple who offered himself unconditionally to follow the Lord. Truly he shone like a glowing star amidst a crooked and perverse generation, with his light of wisdom and guidance.

Practice: Discipleship is not a fun, not a part-time enterprise but a serious lifelong commitment which needs to estimate the cost and be duly prepared