Daily Readings - Sun Sep 01 2019
Hebrews
18For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest19and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,23and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
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."12He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we explore the themes of humility and our spiritual identity. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of humility and respecting our parents, warning against the consequences of a wicked heart. It encourages us to cultivate humility, which will bring us grace and favor with God.
The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the intimidating presence of God on an earthly mountain with the celestial city of Mount Zion. This passage invites us to reflect on our spiritual citizenship in heaven, where we are part of a vast community including angels, the first-born, and Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant. This heavenly perspective should inspire us to live with humility and hope.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a parable about humility at a wedding feast, advising against seeking the highest seat. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and serving others, especially those who cannot repay us. This practical advice extends to our daily interactions, encouraging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life.
These readings remind us that humility is not just a virtue but a way of life. By living humbly and serving others, we reflect the teachings of Jesus and align ourselves with the values of the Kingdom of God. Our focus should be on eternal rewards, where our humility and service will be recognized.
In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service. Let us strive to live with humility, recognizing our spiritual home in heaven, and serve others selflessly, as Jesus taught.