It is 31st October 2016. The readings are from Philippians 2:1-4; and the Gospel from Luke 14:12-14. St. Paul invites us in the first reading to be humble and to regard the other person better than we are. The unity of heart and mind happens only through Jesus Christ. The love of Christ enshrined in us must look towards the good and fruitful side in every person. Starting from ourselves, we all have an area needs to be improved. The starting point of change is to recognise the area to be looked at closely in us that brings us closer to empathize with the others in their weakness and non-responsiveness. By this very act of looking at them with the merciful heart of God, we can consider the other person better than ourselves which will surely lead us to have the unity of mind and heart. “Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his/her own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead.” (Phil.2:4). In the responsorial Psalm, we pray, “Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.” (Ps.130:3). The Gospel focuses on whom should we invite and entertain in our social gatherings and family encounters. We must never seek attention and reward when we do charity works. We must consider sharing the best of our earnings and possessions with the ones who cannot repay. Even if the poor fail to recognise what we do and remain ungrateful, we must share what God has entrusted to us. Only in sharing we bring the tangible image of merciful God. Our human soul looks so beautiful and adorable when it gives. God will reward us and recognise as charitable person when we meet God in Heaven. Let us not be tired of giving by presenting lame excuses and lies. Indeed the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind are the only visible battered and bruised face of God. Let us learn to recognise God in them. May the Lord open our hearts to be generous to the other no matter who the person is. May God bless you.

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