Daily Readings - Sun Sep 01 2019

¹⁷And you will be built up in justice, and you will be remembered in the day of tribulation. And your sins will dissolve like ice in warm weather¹⁸What an evil form has he who forsakes his father! And whoever exasperates his mother is accursed by God¹⁹Son, perform your works in meekness, and you shall be loved beyond the glory of men²⁰However great you may be, humble yourself in all things, and you will find grace in the presence of God²⁸A heart advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved heart will be scandalized in this way²⁹A wicked heart will be burdened with sorrows, and a sinner will add further sins

Hebrews

Chapter 12

¹⁸But you have not drawn near to a tangible mountain, or a burning fire, or a whirlwind, or a mist, or a storm¹⁹or the sound of a trumpet, or a voice of words. Those who had experienced these things excused themselves, lest the Word be spoken to them²²But you have drawn near to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of Angels²³and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect²⁴and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament, and to a sprinkling of blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel

Luke

Chapter 14

¹And it happened that, when Jesus entered the house of a certain leader of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were observing him⁷Then he also told a parable, to those who were invited, noticing how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them⁸"When you are invited to a wedding, do not sit down in the first place, lest perhaps someone more honored than yourself may have been invited by him⁹And then he who called both you and him, approaching, may say to you, ‘Give this place to him.’ And then you would begin, with shame, to take the last place¹⁰But when you are invited, go, sit down in the lowest place, so that, when he who invited you arrives, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the sight of those who sit at table together with you¹¹For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.¹²Then he also said to the one who had invited him: "When you prepare a lunch or dinner, do not choose to call your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives, or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they might then invite you in return and repayment would made to you¹³But when you prepare a feast, call the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind¹⁴And you will be blessed because they do not have a way to repay you. So then, your recompense will be in the resurrection of the just.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we explore the themes of humility and our spiritual identity. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of humility and respecting our parents, warning against the consequences of a wicked heart. It encourages us to cultivate humility, which will bring us grace and favor with God. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the intimidating presence of God on an earthly mountain with the celestial city of Mount Zion. This passage invites us to reflect on our spiritual citizenship in heaven, where we are part of a vast community including angels, the first-born, and Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant. This heavenly perspective should inspire us to live with humility and hope. In the Gospel, Luke presents a parable about humility at a wedding feast, advising against seeking the highest seat. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and serving others, especially those who cannot repay us. This practical advice extends to our daily interactions, encouraging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life. These readings remind us that humility is not just a virtue but a way of life. By living humbly and serving others, we reflect the teachings of Jesus and align ourselves with the values of the Kingdom of God. Our focus should be on eternal rewards, where our humility and service will be recognized. In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service. Let us strive to live with humility, recognizing our spiritual home in heaven, and serve others selflessly, as Jesus taught.