Daily Readings - Sat Oct 29 2022

¹⁸What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,²⁰as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.²³I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,²⁶so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Luke

Chapter 14

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 encounter two powerful lessons on humility and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Philippians finds Paul in prison, yet he rejoices because the Gospel is being proclaimed. Torn between longing to be with Christ and his commitment to the Philippians, Paul exemplifies humility and trust in God's will. His circumstances do not diminish his faith; instead, they strengthen it, showing us that true strength lies in surrendering to God's plan. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching a parable at a Pharisee's house, emphasizing the virtue of humility. Jesus warns against seeking high status, instead advising to take the lowest place. This lesson extends beyond social etiquette, urging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life. Just as Paul trusted God despite his imprisonment, we too are called to trust in God's providence, even when our circumstances seem challenging. These readings remind us that humility and trust are essential in our walk with God. In our daily lives, we can apply this by staying humble in our achievements and trusting God's plan, especially during difficult times. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness comes from serving others and trusting in God. Let us strive to live with humility and faith, knowing that our trust in God will guide us through all situations.