Daily Readings - Sat Nov 04 2017
First Reading - Romans 11.1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
Romans
1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Gospel - Luke 14.1, 7-11
Luke
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall 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.