Daily Readings - Sat Nov 04 2023
Romans
1Therefore, I say: Has God driven away his people? Let it not be so! For I, too, am an Israelite of the offspring of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin2God has not driven away his people, whom he foreknew. And do you not know what Scripture says in Elijah, how he calls upon God against Israel11Therefore, I say: Have they stumbled in such a way that they should fall? Let it not be so! Instead, by their offense, salvation is with the Gentiles, so that they may be a rival to them12Now if their offense is the riches of the world, and if their diminution is the riches of the Gentiles, how much more is their fullness25For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery (lest you seem wise only to yourselves) that a certain blindness has occurred in Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has arrived26And in this way, all of Israel may be saved, just as it was written: "From Zion shall arrive he who delivers, and he shall turn impiety away from Jacob27And this will be my covenant for them, when I will take away their sins.28Certainly, according to the Gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But according to the election, they are most beloved for the sake of the fathers29For the gifts and the call of God are without regret
Luke
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 profound reflections on humility, God’s plan, and the unity of His people. The first reading from Romans reminds us that God’s love for Israel remains unwavering, even when they stumble. Paul explains that Israel’s partial blindness allows the Gentiles to share in salvation, but this is not the end of God’s plan for His chosen people. He assures us that one day, “all of Israel will be saved,” fulfilling God’s covenant promise. This passage invites us to trust in the mystery of God’s plan and to see ourselves as part of a larger story that includes both Jews and Gentiles.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about humility. Jesus warns against seeking the highest places at a banquet, lest we be humbled publicly. Instead, He encourages us to take the lowest place, so that we might be exalted by the host. This teaching is not just about social etiquette but about the posture of our hearts. True humility involves recognizing our place before God and others, trusting that God will lift us up in His time. Just as Paul emphasizes God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles, Jesus emphasizes the importance of living with humility and trust in God’s providence.
These readings call us to live with humility and trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to seek recognition or status, but Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and living with humility. Similarly, Paul’s words encourage us to see ourselves as part of a larger community, united in God’s plan of salvation. Let us strive to live with humility, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His own time. May we embrace our place in His story, knowing that His ways are higher than our own.