Click here to read the daily readings from the USCCB website.

I see a funny comparison between the first reading and the Gospel. Paul says, "Do not neglect hospitality.... Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment." And then the Gospel tells the story of King Herod taking John the Baptist into custody and ultimately beheading him. That's the first example of how NOT to be a good host. 

I digress. If I could summarize the first readings I would say, "Love as God has loved you." Jesus loved us so much that He took on our frailty, weakness, and suffering. We were prisoners of sin and so he became a prisoner and took on our punishment. He honored and loved us above all earthly goods and selfish desires, "for He has said,  I will never forsake you or abandon you."

I think our challenge today is to identify a place in our lives where we need to grow in love like Jesus. Challenge yourself to act more selflessly in one particular area of your life or in one particular relationship. Do something that you wouldn't normally do to make someone feel loved and appreciated. Give generously. Take some time for silent prayer if you don't do that regularly.

Gradually building these habits in our lives is how we become the persons that God intended us to be. It doesn't (usually) happen overnight. It takes time, discipline, and daily training to really live the life of discipleship.