How do we love and serve one another?
The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on true love and
respect. The well-known saying “money cannot buy love” reminds us that real
relations come from within, not from wealth. The relationship between love and
respect highlights how important it is to treat each other kindly and create
nurturing conditions for genuine relationships to grow.The first reading from the Wisdom of Ben Sirach encourages us to reflect on
our behavior with humility. His words, “My children, conduct your affairs with
humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts,” remind us that those
who hold great responsibility should lead with even greater humility. Humility is
not a sign of weakness but a powerful expression of strength, wisdom, and selfawareness, inspiring us to become our best selves. The most valuable things in
life: love, peace, humility, gentleness, and respect are priceless treasures. Unlike
material possessions, these qualities cannot be bought; rather, they are built
through our interactions, our willingness to listen, and our commitment to
understanding each other. Jesus urges us to invite everyone into our lives with
kindness from the heart, not just those who can repay us.When reflecting on today’s Gospel, it is easy to misunderstand Jesus’ words
as a warning against inviting friends and family into our homes; but rather, He is
calling us to expand our view of hospitality. By inviting those who may not be
able to reciprocate, we are given an opportunity to share our treasures and grow
our communities. Furthermore, this radical kind of love reflects the nature of the
Eucharistic celebration, where Jesus is the ultimate host. As we gather at the
Eucharist table, we remember that it is Christ who invites us out of pure love. The
bread and wine we partake in are expressions of His self-giving nature. This
remarkable act reminds us of the love that is freely given to us, with no strings
attached. His profound act of love humbles us as we recognize our inability to
repay such generosity and calls us to extend that love to others.
In the spirit of humility and service, each of us is invited to live out the
message of today’s readings. Let us anchor our actions on love, respecting
others through genuine care and kindness. By cultivating these virtues, we not
only grow closer to God but also build a community rooted in respect and love,
where the spirit of Jesus shines through. Let us remember that true fulfillment
comes not from what we own, but from how we love and serve one another.
Wishing you all a Happy Labor Day Weekend.Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor