Daily Readings - Tue Nov 06 2018
Philippians
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Luke
15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility and responsiveness to God’s call. The first reading from Philippians 2:5-11 presents us with the profound example of Christ’s humility. Though equal to God, He emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and humbled Himself unto death on the Cross. This passage reminds us that true greatness is found not in power or status, but in self-giving love and obedience. Christ’s humility is not just an example; it is a call to imitate Him in our own lives.
The Gospel from Luke 14:15-24 complements this message with the parable of the great feast. A man prepares a grand banquet and invites many guests, but they all make excuses for why they cannot attend. Their excuses—whether about possessions, work, or family—reflect a lack of priority for the invitation they have received. The master’s response is to invite the poor, the disabled, and the outcasts, filling his house with those who are often overlooked. This parable challenges us to examine our own response to God’s invitation. How often do we allow the distractions and comforts of the world to take precedence over our relationship with God? The parable reminds us that God’s invitation is not just for the privileged or the perfect, but for all, especially those who are marginalized.
These readings together call us to a life of humility and radical responsiveness to God’s will. Just as Christ emptied Himself and became a servant, we too are called to let go of our pride and self-interest. Similarly, just as the master in the parable compels the outcasts to come in, we are reminded that God’s invitation is universal and urgent. Let us ask ourselves: What excuses are we making for not fully embracing God’s call in our lives? Are we too focused on our own plans and possessions to hear His voice? Let us strive to imitate Christ’s humility and to respond generously to the invitation to follow Him, so that we may find true joy and fulfillment in His kingdom.