Daily Readings - Sun Aug 31 2025

Sirach

17And you will be built up in justice, and you will be remembered in the day of tribulation. And your sins will dissolve like ice in warm weather18What an evil form has he who forsakes his father! And whoever exasperates his mother is accursed by God19Son, perform your works in meekness, and you shall be loved beyond the glory of men20However great you may be, humble yourself in all things, and you will find grace in the presence of God28A heart advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved heart will be scandalized in this way29A wicked heart will be burdened with sorrows, and a sinner will add further sins

Hebrews

18But you have not drawn near to a tangible mountain, or a burning fire, or a whirlwind, or a mist, or a storm19or the sound of a trumpet, or a voice of words. Those who had experienced these things excused themselves, lest the Word be spoken to them22But you have drawn near to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of Angels23and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect24and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament, and to a sprinkling of blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel

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.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

The readings today invite us to reflect on the virtues of humility and generosity, reminding us that true greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in serving others and living with integrity. In the first reading from Sirach, we are encouraged to cultivate humility and to care for those in need. The author warns against the dangers of pride and selfishness, emphasizing that a divided heart—one that wavers between virtue and vice—will not find success. Instead, we are called to live simply, humbly, and with compassion, especially toward the poor and the marginalized. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying experience of encountering God on Mount Sinai with the joyful and grace-filled encounter we have with God in the heavenly Jerusalem. Here, we are reminded that we are part of a vast spiritual community, united with angels, saints, and all the just who have gone before us. This reading invites us to approach God with reverence and gratitude, recognizing the profound gift of our inclusion in this divine assembly through Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant. In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus teaching about the importance of humility and generosity. Through the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus warns against seeking the highest places, as true honor comes not from self-promotion but from serving others. He then turns to the host, urging him to invite those who cannot repay him—such as the poor, the disabled, and the blind. This teaching challenges us to reorient our lives away from self-interest and toward acts of love and mercy. By embracing humility and generosity, we not only reflect the heart of God but also find true fulfillment and joy in our lives. Let us strive to live with hearts that are open, humble, and always ready to serve.