Daily Readings - Tue Nov 06 2018
Philippians
5For this understanding in you was also in Christ Jesus6who, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be seized7Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and accepting the state of a man8He humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even the death of the Cross9Because of this, God has also exalted him and has given him a name which is above every name10so that, at the name of Jesus, every knee would bend, of those in heaven, of those on earth, and of those in hell11and so that every tongue would confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father
Luke
15When someone sitting at table with him had heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.16So he said to him: "A certain man prepared a great feast, and he invited many17And he sent his servant, at the hour of the feast, to tell the invited to come; for now everything was ready18And at once they all began to make excuses. The first said to him: ‘I bought a farm, and I need to go out and see it. I ask you to excuse me.19And another said: ‘I bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine them. I ask you to excuse me.20And another said, ‘I have taken a wife, and therefore I am not able to go.21And returning, the servant reported these things to his lord. Then the father of the family, becoming angry, said to his servant: ‘Go out quickly into the streets and neighborhoods of the city. And lead here the poor, and the disabled, and the blind, and the lame.22And the servant said: ‘It has been done, just as you ordered, lord, and there is still room.23And the lord said to the servant: ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel them to enter, so that my house may be filled24For I tell you, that none of those men who were invited will taste of my feast.’
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility and responsiveness to God’s call. The first reading from Philippians 2:5-11 presents us with the profound example of Christ’s humility. Though equal to God, He emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and humbled Himself unto death on the Cross. This passage reminds us that true greatness is found not in power or status, but in self-giving love and obedience. Christ’s humility is not just an example; it is a call to imitate Him in our own lives.
The Gospel from Luke 14:15-24 complements this message with the parable of the great feast. A man prepares a grand banquet and invites many guests, but they all make excuses for why they cannot attend. Their excuses—whether about possessions, work, or family—reflect a lack of priority for the invitation they have received. The master’s response is to invite the poor, the disabled, and the outcasts, filling his house with those who are often overlooked. This parable challenges us to examine our own response to God’s invitation. How often do we allow the distractions and comforts of the world to take precedence over our relationship with God? The parable reminds us that God’s invitation is not just for the privileged or the perfect, but for all, especially those who are marginalized.
These readings together call us to a life of humility and radical responsiveness to God’s will. Just as Christ emptied Himself and became a servant, we too are called to let go of our pride and self-interest. Similarly, just as the master in the parable compels the outcasts to come in, we are reminded that God’s invitation is universal and urgent. Let us ask ourselves: What excuses are we making for not fully embracing God’s call in our lives? Are we too focused on our own plans and possessions to hear His voice? Let us strive to imitate Christ’s humility and to respond generously to the invitation to follow Him, so that we may find true joy and fulfillment in His kingdom.