Daily Readings - Mon Oct 31 2022
Philippians
1Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, any solace of charity, any fellowship of the Spirit, any feelings of commiseration2complete my joy by having the same understanding, holding to the same charity, being of one mind, with the same sentiment3Let nothing be done by contention, nor in vain glory. Instead, in humility, let each of you esteem others to be better than himself4Let each of you not consider anything to be your own, but rather to belong to others
Luke
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 are invited to reflect on the virtues of humility and selflessness. The first reading from Philippians reminds us that our faith is not just about individual devotion but about living in communion with one another. Paul urges us to embrace a mindset of unity and humility, where we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires. This is not about false modesty but about recognizing that our true strength comes from Christ and our shared life in the Spirit.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by challenging us to think differently about how we interact with others. Jesus teaches that true generosity is not about seeking recognition or reciprocity but about serving those who cannot repay us. When we invite the poor, the lame, and the blind to our table—whether literally or metaphorically—we embody the humility and compassion that God desires. This is not just about charity; it’s about living out the Kingdom of God, where everyone has dignity and worth.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. Do we seek to uplift others, or do we often act out of self-interest? Do we notice those on the margins, or do we only surround ourselves with people who can benefit us? The moral lesson is clear: humility and selflessness are not just virtues to admire but practices to live by. When we embrace these values, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of His love in the world. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the unity, humility, and compassion that Jesus and Paul teach us.