Strive to Love as Jesus Loves

Gospel Reflection for November 6, 2023

“Then he said to the host who invited him, ‘When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’” (Luke 14:12-14 NABRE)

It’s easy to surround ourselves with people we love and care about, and have no difficulty being around. Yet, in today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to widen our horizons regarding the people we choose to love and care about.

We should not only love and show compassion towards family members, friends, and people we get along with. Rather, we are called to love and show compassion towards complete strangers, those in need, and perhaps even those who are difficult to be around!

Every single person is made in the image and likeness of God, and deserves to be treated and loved as such. So, the next time we are tempted to avoid, overlook, or ignore someone, we must remember that we are called to treat others as we would treat our Lord Jesus. We should strive to see the Lord in everyone.

May we always seek to extend our aid, care, and love for the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and anyone else in need of compassion. The Lord welcomes all who come to Him, so we too must be welcoming, loving, and inviting to others! Like Jesus, Who always sees us and loves us, may we see others and love them.