Daily Readings - Tue Nov 03 2020
Philippians
5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Luke
15When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many.17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.'19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.'20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.'22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.'23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.24For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, obedience, and the universal call to God’s banquet. The second reading from Philippians presents us with a profound hymn about Christ’s self-emptying love. Jesus, who is equal to God, chose to humble himself, taking on the form of a servant and accepting death on the Cross. This act of humility led to his exaltation, and now every knee bends at the name of Jesus. The reading reminds us that true greatness is found in self-giving love and surrender to God’s will.
In the Gospel, Luke shares the parable of the great feast, where those initially invited make excuses and refuse to come. The master, though angered by their ingratitude, extends the invitation to the poor, the disabled, and even those on the highways and hedges. This parable underscores God’s desire to include all people in his kingdom, especially those often overlooked or marginalized. It also warns us against allowing worldly distractions or comforts to take precedence over our spiritual lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own humility and willingness to respond to God’s invitation. Like Christ, we are called to empty ourselves of pride and selfishness, embracing a life of service and obedience. At the same time, we must not take God’s grace for granted or allow excuses to keep us from participating in the spiritual feast he has prepared for us. Let us strive to live with humility and gratitude, recognizing that God’s invitation is open to all, and let us not miss the opportunity to share in his glory.