💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 3 💖

First Reading - Romans 11:29-36 

Gospel - Luke 14:12-14

Every day, we live surrounded by opportunities to love selflessly—but often, we miss them because we measure relationships by what we can gain. In a world where invitations, favors, and kindnesses are frequently exchanged with expectations of return, today’s readings invite us to rediscover the beauty of generosity that expects nothing back—a generosity that mirrors the heart of God Himself.

In the first reading, St. Paul reminds us that “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” God gives freely, not because we deserve it, but because love is His nature. His mercy, wisdom, and grace are poured out without condition or calculation. Everything we are and have—our faith, talents, opportunities, even our breath—is a gift. When we grasp this truth, we begin to understand that authentic Christian living means giving as we have received: freely, joyfully, and without counting the cost.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives a powerful lesson on true generosity. He tells His host, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors; invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” This is not merely about hosting a meal—it is about transforming our hearts. Jesus challenges us to go beyond the comfort of reciprocal relationships and to open ourselves to those who cannot repay us. He invites us to give as God gives—with compassion and without expectation.

Dear friends, this teaching goes against the logic of the world, which values success, recognition, and reward. But for Jesus, true greatness lies in quiet acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. The reward of such love is not found in worldly approval but in the joy of sharing in the very life of God. When we serve the poor, comfort the lonely, or show mercy to those who cannot return the favor, we reflect the image of our generous Father.

This calls us to look around our lives and ask: who are the people we overlook because they can give us nothing in return? Perhaps it’s someone in need of encouragement, someone struggling financially, or someone longing for simple human kindness. Every act of love offered freely becomes a glimpse of the Kingdom of God breaking into our world.

The more we give without expecting anything back, the freer we become. Our hearts expand, our joy deepens, and our lives begin to mirror the self-giving love of Christ. Generosity is not about the size of our resources—it’s about the size of our hearts.

May we learn to love as God loves: without condition, without calculation, and without fear. For in giving to those who cannot repay us, we discover the richest reward of all—the joy of sharing in the boundless mercy of God.