Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 31st Week in Ordinary time – Monday – Luke 14:12-14

Despite numerous clashes with the Pharisees and their ongoing schemes to trap and kill Him, Christ accepts the invitation for a Sabbath feast from a prominent Pharisee, knowing that many Pharisees are watching closely, hoping to catch Him in some error.

Christ immediately goes on the offensive, provocatively healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath and then soundly rebuking the Pharisees for their prideful competition for the best seats of honor.

Having made a general rebuke to the prideful Pharisees, Christ boldly rebukes and corrects the prominent Pharisee host. Christ directs the man to stop inviting his family and friends to his banquets and to start inviting the poor, particularly those with disabilities who were often stigmatized and shunned. Rather than settle for the short-term benefit of getting invited to other banquets, Christ tells the man to aspire to gain the reward of the resurrection for those who are just.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ asserts His dominion over the Sabbath and reveals the reality of the resurrection and how one can be rewarded. Divine King, Christ aggressively rebukes and authoritatively corrects the murderous Pharisees. Divine Teacher, Christ has a keen eye for men’s behaviors and sins and offers clear direction to help men become holy. Divine Judge, Christ confirms that one’s acts have impact on one’s eternal fate and mysteriously reveals one of the criteria (charity to the suffering) of His Judgment.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) When attacked, men often respond with even greater viciousness, seeking to dominate their opponents. In contrast, Christ offers Divine Mercy to His would-be attackers, correcting their sinful behavior, describing how to be holy and even revealing how they might be saved.

2) Many men live by the motto “quid pro quo” (Latin meaning “something for something”, cleverly giving and doing favors for others to get some future benefit in return; these are simply “transactions” and not charitable acts. Pray for Christ to give you a truly generous heart that gives away what you have been given without concern for repayment.

3) Men often live in a bubble, associating with those similar in views, race, economic class, etc. Christ urges men to serve the stranger who is suffering. Pray for Christ to give you the will and courage to personally serve the poor; commit to perform a Corporal Work of Mercy for someone you don’t know.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory

Virtue of the Day – Prudence

Corporal Work of Mercy – To give drink to the thirsty

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To instruct the ignorant