Conforming to Christ Through Selfless Acts of Charity – Nov 03 – Homily – Fr Charbel
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Fr Charbel gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 03, 2025, on how Jesus teaches the importance of loving others selflessly, without expecting repayment in this life, to prepare for eternal union with God.
In today's Gospel, Jesus advises against doing good only to friends, family, or wealthy people in hopes of getting something back. Instead, He calls us to love purely, without selfish motives, especially toward the poor, the overlooked, and even our enemies. This kind of love mirrors God's own unconditional love for everyone, no matter who they are. By practicing it, we become more like Jesus, purify our hearts, and ready ourselves for the joy of heaven, where true repayment comes at the resurrection.
Luke 14:12 - NAB - Do not invite friends expecting repayment - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?12
Matthew 5:44 - NAB - Love your enemies and pray for persecutors - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?44
1 John 4:16 - NAB - God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/4?16
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2196 - The Love of God Calls Us to Love Neighbor - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2.htm#2196
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1822 - Charity is Theological Virtue Loving God and Neighbor - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a7.htm#1822
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447 - Spiritual Works of Mercy Toward the Poor - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a7.htm#2446
Vatican - Deus Caritas Est - Encyclical on Christian Love - https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. Martin de Porres - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=306
Readings: Monday 31st Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/110325.cfm
1st: rom 11:29-36
Resp: psa 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37
Gsp: luk 14:12-14
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1188&r=1541
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and YouTube: https://youtu.be/KzF2qesx__Y
