Why would Jesus spend time with sinners, outcasts and tax collectors?

Why Jesus would want to spend his time with a sinner.

The answer is Jesus loves unconditionally.

Tax collectors and sinners – willing to listen – open to repentance and discipleship

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Philippians 3:3-8a

We are the true circumcised people,

Today we pray for all of those who have gone ahead of us in death,

is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, observed by Christians on 2 November.

It is because love keeps our connection with each other alive.

Death is but a passage to life, to the real life where all of us are destined to reach.

that through God’s mercy they will receive the reward of eternal life with him.

We pray for ourselves too that when our time comes, we will share in the same reward.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 

The souls of the just are

 Jesus tells his followers that they must be willing to sacrifice their love for those closest to them if they wish to be his disciples?

There is a certain selfishness and self-centeredness within us.

And these are not boloney sufferings and sacrifices.

These are the ones that invite us to have confidence and trust in God.

Ｗho gave up everything for our sake?

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Philippians 2:12-18

Therefore, my dearest friends,

The Church has declared some people saints, holding them up as models of virtue.

By honoring them, we honor Him Who made them holy.

Honoring the saints, To strive after the holiness the saints attained.

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

I saw another angel,

“HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO EAT AT THE BAQUET IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD!”

Salvation is like being invited into the banquet of God’s Kingdom.

God invites us to share in the heavenly banquet, the wedding feast of the Lamb.

We can use the gifts and grace we receive from the Holy Spirit.

Share the heavenly banquet.

Fortunate will be those who will heed the invitation; they will have the chance of dining with the Master.
 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be

Paul invites us to face the challenges and dangers around us by putting on God’s armor:

of truth, justice, zeal, faith, salvation, and the word of God.

In other words, Paul’s invitation is to “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14)and “have the mind of Christ” (Phil 2:5) 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord,

 Jesus calls us to a different standard.

To those whose need is greatest.

Our kindness and generosity may not be reciprocated,

Selflessly not in hope of any reward.

St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Philippians 2:1-4

If I may advise you,

It can be compared to an athlete who does all kinds of strenuous preparations to win the contest.

It is not a simple entry through an easy door.

The persistent, that they endured in entering the narrow gate will be amply rewarded.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Ephesians 6:1-9

Children, obey your parents

 Jesus emphasizes us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Also teaches that we must love our neighbors as ourselves.

love is the greatest law, fulfilling all commandments.

We must love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

Fear Yahweh,

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel”

The kingdom of God is like a small seed that grew and became a large tree.

The mustard seed and the yeast in today’s gospel parables: small, subtle, almost invisible;

but they keep transforming the world around.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Ephesians 5:21-33

Let all kinds of submission