Daily Readings - Sat Oct 29 2022

¹⁸But what does it matter? As long as, by every means, whether under pretext or in truthfulness, Christ is announced. And about this, I rejoice, and moreover, I will continue to rejoice¹⁹For I know that this will bring me to salvation, through your prayers and under the ministration of the Spirit of Jesus Christ²⁰by means of my own expectation and hope. For in nothing shall I be confounded. Instead, with all confidence, now just as always, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death²¹For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain²²And while I live in the flesh, for me, there is the fruit of works. But I do not know which I would choose²³For I am constrained between the two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, which is the far better thing²⁴but then to remain in the flesh is necessary for your sake²⁵And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and that I shall continue to remain with all of you, for your advancement and for your joy in the faith²⁶so that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, through my return to you again

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.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two powerful lessons on humility and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Philippians finds Paul in prison, yet he rejoices because the Gospel is being proclaimed. Torn between longing to be with Christ and his commitment to the Philippians, Paul exemplifies humility and trust in God's will. His circumstances do not diminish his faith; instead, they strengthen it, showing us that true strength lies in surrendering to God's plan. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching a parable at a Pharisee's house, emphasizing the virtue of humility. Jesus warns against seeking high status, instead advising to take the lowest place. This lesson extends beyond social etiquette, urging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life. Just as Paul trusted God despite his imprisonment, we too are called to trust in God's providence, even when our circumstances seem challenging. These readings remind us that humility and trust are essential in our walk with God. In our daily lives, we can apply this by staying humble in our achievements and trusting God's plan, especially during difficult times. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness comes from serving others and trusting in God. Let us strive to live with humility and faith, knowing that our trust in God will guide us through all situations.