Romans 12:5-16 / Luke 14:15-24
One of the uncomfortable experiences is to be in a place where you are new but everybody knows each other.
One example of this kind of experience is the first day at work in a new place.
We just long for someone to come and talk with us and show us how things are done and guide us along the way.
In such times, we can say that we are quite vulnerable.
We can be vulnerable to people who might befriend us but with vested interests and ulterior motives.
In the 1st reading, we are told not to let our love be a pretence. In other words, our love and concern should be real and genuine.
Hence, we must examine our motives for helping others. We also must not make excuses for not helping others when we can.
When we help others out of love and care for them, it is not for gain but to give.
To give love will cost us - it will cost us our time, it will cost us our energy, it will cost us our very selves.
Let us remember that Jesus loved us and it also cost Him His life.
But when we love others as Jesus loved us, then we have said "Yes" to the invitation to the banquet of love.