Daily Readings - Sat Nov 04 2017
Romans
1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.2God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?11So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.12Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!25Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.26And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob";27"and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins."28As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.29For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Luke
1One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.7Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,8"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,9and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.10But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with profound lessons on humility and God’s inclusive plan. The first reading from Romans 11 reminds us that God’s gifts are irrevocable, emphasizing that Israel’s current state is not final. Paul highlights a mystery where a partial blindness has befallen Israel, allowing the Gentiles to be incorporated into God’s plan, ultimately leading to the salvation of all Israel. This passage underscores God’s faithfulness and the unity of His people across different groups.
The Gospel from Luke 14 offers a parable on humility, where Jesus advises against seeking the highest seat at a banquet. Instead, He encourages taking the lowest place, trusting that the host may exalt us. This teaching critiques social hierarchies and the pride that often accompanies them, urging us to embrace humility and trust in God’s timing and exaltation.
Both readings connect through themes of humility and trust in God’s plan. Paul’s message of inclusion mirrors Jesus’s parable, reminding us that true greatness comes from humility. In our daily lives, this means embracing modesty in our interactions and trusting in God’s larger plan. The moral lesson here is clear: humility leads to exaltation, and God’s plan is one of unity and inclusion for all people. Let us strive to live with this humility, trusting in God’s wisdom and timing.