Daily Readings - Tue Nov 05 2024
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 encounter profound reflections on humility and God’s grace. The passage from Philippians presents a hymn that highlights Christ’s self-emptying and obedience, leading to His exaltation. This serves as a model for believers to embrace humility and service. In the Gospel, Luke shares a parable where a master’s invitation to a feast is rejected by the comfortable, only to be accepted by the marginalized. This parable critiques complacency and emphasizes God’s preference for the humble.
Both readings underscore the importance of humility and openness to God’s invitation. Christ’s humility in Philippians leads to His glorification, while in Luke, the humble and marginalized are those who truly respond to God’s call. This duality reminds us that true faith requires humility and a willingness to prioritize God’s invitation above worldly concerns.
In our daily lives, this teaches us to avoid complacency and self-reliance. We are called to examine our priorities, ensuring we do not let earthly distractions hinder our response to God. The moral lesson is clear: humility and openness to God’s invitation are essential. Let us reflect on our own response to God’s call, striving to embrace humility and follow Christ wholeheartedly.