Daily Readings - Mon Oct 31 2022
Philippians
1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Luke
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 are invited to reflect on the virtues of humility and selflessness. The first reading from Philippians reminds us that our faith is not just about individual devotion but about living in communion with one another. Paul urges us to embrace a mindset of unity and humility, where we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires. This is not about false modesty but about recognizing that our true strength comes from Christ and our shared life in the Spirit.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by challenging us to think differently about how we interact with others. Jesus teaches that true generosity is not about seeking recognition or reciprocity but about serving those who cannot repay us. When we invite the poor, the lame, and the blind to our table—whether literally or metaphorically—we embody the humility and compassion that God desires. This is not just about charity; it’s about living out the Kingdom of God, where everyone has dignity and worth.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. Do we seek to uplift others, or do we often act out of self-interest? Do we notice those on the margins, or do we only surround ourselves with people who can benefit us? The moral lesson is clear: humility and selflessness are not just virtues to admire but practices to live by. When we embrace these values, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of His love in the world. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the unity, humility, and compassion that Jesus and Paul teach us.