Daily Readings - Tue Nov 03 2020

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, 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.