Never abandon me, Lord; My God, don't stay away from me! Quickly come to my aid, O Lord, my salvation! (Ps 37,22s)

  First Reading: Romans 11:29-36

Reading of Saint Paul's letter to the Romans – Brothers, 29God's gifts and vocation are irrevocable. 30You were once disobedient to God, but now you have received mercy as a result of their disobedience. 31So are they now who are disobedient, so that, as a result of the mercy shown to you, they may finally obtain mercy. 32For God shut up all men in disobedience, in order to show mercy to all. 33O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and impenetrable his ways! 34Indeed, who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who was his advisor? 35Or who was willing to give him something in advance, so that he would be entitled to a return? 36Indeed, everything is his, through him and for him. To him be the glory forever. Amen! - Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 68(69)

Answer me, O Lord, for your immense love!

1. Poor me, I am unhappy and suffering! / May your help lift me up, Lord God! / Singing, I will praise your name / and, grateful, I will exult with joy! – R.

2. Humble ones, see this and rejoice: † your heart will revive / if you continually seek the Lord! / For our God answers the prayers of his poor / and does not despise the cry of his captives. – R.

3. Yes, God will come and save Jerusalem, † rebuilding the cities of Judah, / where the poor will live, being their owners. / The descendants of his servants will inherit them, † and those who love the holy name of the Lord / will establish their home within them! – R.

Gospel: Luke 14,12-14

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

If you keep my word, says Jesus, / you will truly be my disciples (John 8:31s). – R.

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke - At that time, 12Jesus said to the chief of the Pharisees who had invited him: “When you give a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends, nor your brothers, nor your relatives, nor your rich neighbors . Because they could also invite you and that would be your reward. 13On the contrary, when you throw a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. 14Then you will be happy! Because they can't repay you. You will receive your reward in the resurrection of the righteous.” – Word of salvation.

Reflection: https://www.paulus.com.br/portal/liturgia-diaria/6-segunda-feira-7/

We are influenced by a mercantilist society, where everything has a price; nothing is done without payment. This mentality also affects Christians, despite Jesus' insistent invitations to embark on the paths of gratuitousness. This is the lesson that comes to us from today’s Gospel. The Master's guidance is to do good to those who cannot repay in kind. Generously helping the weak and practicing disinterested charity are healthy and recommended exercises to resemble Jesus, who offered everything without expecting anything in return. It is not just about sharing material goods, but we can include, among the gifts, time, understanding and good advice. In addition to experiencing joy from the gesture itself, we will benefit from the reward in the “resurrection of the righteous”.