Daily Readings - Tue Nov 03 2020
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, obedience, and the universal call to God’s banquet. The second reading from Philippians presents us with a profound hymn about Christ’s self-emptying love. Jesus, who is equal to God, chose to humble himself, taking on the form of a servant and accepting death on the Cross. This act of humility led to his exaltation, and now every knee bends at the name of Jesus. The reading reminds us that true greatness is found in self-giving love and surrender to God’s will.
In the Gospel, Luke shares the parable of the great feast, where those initially invited make excuses and refuse to come. The master, though angered by their ingratitude, extends the invitation to the poor, the disabled, and even those on the highways and hedges. This parable underscores God’s desire to include all people in his kingdom, especially those often overlooked or marginalized. It also warns us against allowing worldly distractions or comforts to take precedence over our spiritual lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own humility and willingness to respond to God’s invitation. Like Christ, we are called to empty ourselves of pride and selfishness, embracing a life of service and obedience. At the same time, we must not take God’s grace for granted or allow excuses to keep us from participating in the spiritual feast he has prepared for us. Let us strive to live with humility and gratitude, recognizing that God’s invitation is open to all, and let us not miss the opportunity to share in his glory.