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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“When you give a luncheon or dinner,

do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours;

if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.

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But when you give a banquet,

invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

and you will be blessed.

Although they cannot repay you,

you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

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– Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)

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REFLECTION…

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Jesus certainly does not mean

that we should do away with the duties of ordinary fellowship and friendship

and to stop entertaining those whom we love

– He is just emphasising what is better.

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What He truly wishes to see us do

is to show true love of neighbour,

especially of those who are in need.

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In the Old Testament, we read that the prophet Nehemiah said to the people:

"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks,

and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” (Neh 8:10)

Jesus goes further,

and asks us to go beyond just sending food to the needy

– He encourages us to invite the needy to our feast!

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Works of charity are better than works of show,

and whatever we do for the poor and the afflicted,

we should do gladly and generously from the heart,

reflecting our love for God,

and with a humble desire of Heaven as our only reward.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord I so want to serve You

and share with You from what You have given me.

Lord, lead me to the disadvantaged and the needy

in whom I see Your Face.

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