Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 31st Week in Ordinary time – Tuesday – Luke 14:15-24

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 14:15-24.

Invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner, Christ agrees to attend.  Perceiving their evil intent to trap Him, Christ nevertheless attends and goes on the offensive: He heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, He rebukes them for their childish pursuit of the best seats for honor and directs the host to begin to serve the poor instead of himself and his friends. Despite one man attempt to alleviate the tension (“Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God”), Christ continues His confrontation with the Pharisees and lawyers with the Parable of the Great Banquet.  

God the Father (the man) has prepared the wonderful feast of the Kingdom of Heaven/Eucharist/the Mass (a great banquet) and invites all people, especially Catholics (many), to participate. God sends His Son (servant) to tell all those who have been invited (Israel, Catholics) that the time has come (Christ in the Incarnation). But many people (the Pharisees, Casual Catholics, Protestants, other religions, atheists) reject God’s invitation through Christ to come to the Kingdom of Heaven/Eucharist/Mass and make excuses for why they are too busy: Some are obsessed with business (field); some are distracted by wealth/possessions (the man with many oxen), some are distracted by family responsibilities (married a wife).

Angry and zealous for men to be saved, God does not alter His plans but turns His attention to the salvation (attending the banquet) to those who are desperate and suffering (the poor, maimed, blind, lame). Having been rejected by Israel/Casual Catholics/others, the Father (the man) instructs Christ (the servant) to call people (the highways, hedges) to convert (attend) and be saved (attend the banquet). Christ asserts in the parable, “None of those men who were [first] invited shall taste my banquet.”

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ gives an insight into the Kingdom of Heaven and reveals the sobering truth that many, many men will not be found worthy. Divine Mercy, Christ, addressing His enemies who wish to kill Him, offers them both a invitation and a warning.  Divine King, Christ is generous and patient and goes to extreme lengths to call men to His Kingdom. Divine Judge, Christ is angry at those who reject His Mercy and will reject those who refuse His Gospel. Divine Prophet, Christ’s parable foresees the rejection of the Gospel by many Jews and the stunning success in calling the Gentiles.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Since God created man, He has relentlessly called men to Himself. Reflect on how our Merciful God, despite the rejection of so many men, continues to tirelessly call men (including you, personally) to Heaven.

2) The pleasures and concerns of the world relentlessly seek to dominate men’s attention while the joy and peace of Heaven is hidden or faint in men’s minds. Reflect upon the Desire to see God (CCC 2548-2550) and pray for Christ to convert your heart so that He is your highest desire.

3) The majority of Catholic men (70%+) take the Eucharist for granted, making excuses (I’m tired; I’m busy; I don’t get anything out of the Mass, etc.) for why thy don’t attend the obligatory weekly Mass. Reflect upon the many Fruits of Holy Communion (CCC 1391-1401, 1416) ) and pray for Christ to give you a powerful hunger for His life-saving Eucharist.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice

Corporal Work of Mercy – To clothe the naked

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To counsel the doubtful