Daily Readings - Sun Aug 28 2022
Hebrews
18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
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.12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the virtues of humility and compassion, which are central to living a life pleasing to God. The first reading from Sirach reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and in honoring our parents. It warns against the dangers of a divided heart and the burdens that come from sin. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying majesty of God’s presence on Mount Sinai with the grace and beauty of Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Here, we find ourselves in the company of angels, the first-born, and the Mediator of the New Covenant, Jesus Christ. The Gospel from Luke offers a practical lesson in humility and generosity. Jesus teaches us not to seek the highest places or to invite only those who can repay us, but rather to humble ourselves and extend kindness to those in need.
These readings are connected by the theme of humility and the call to live in a way that reflects God’s love. Sirach emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationships and actions, while Hebrews lifts our gaze to the heavenly reality that grounds our hope. Luke’s parable challenges us to embody humility and compassion in our daily interactions. Together, they remind us that true exaltation comes not from seeking glory for ourselves, but from serving others and living with a humble heart.
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us examine how we can practice humility and compassion. Do we seek the lowest place, or do we try to elevate ourselves? Do we invite others into our lives, especially those who cannot repay us? Let us remember that our ultimate reward comes not from earthly recognition, but from the resurrection of the just. May we strive to live in a way that reflects the humility of Christ and the love of God, knowing that in doing so, we will find true glory in His sight.