Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 29, 2022
First Reading: Philippians 1.18b-26
18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Psalm 42
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Gospel: Luke 14.1, 7-11
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 encounter two powerful lessons on humility and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Philippians finds Paul in prison, yet he rejoices because the Gospel is being proclaimed. Torn between longing to be with Christ and his commitment to the Philippians, Paul exemplifies humility and trust in God's will. His circumstances do not diminish his faith; instead, they strengthen it, showing us that true strength lies in surrendering to God's plan.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching a parable at a Pharisee's house, emphasizing the virtue of humility. Jesus warns against seeking high status, instead advising to take the lowest place. This lesson extends beyond social etiquette, urging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life. Just as Paul trusted God despite his imprisonment, we too are called to trust in God's providence, even when our circumstances seem challenging.
These readings remind us that humility and trust are essential in our walk with God. In our daily lives, we can apply this by staying humble in our achievements and trusting God's plan, especially during difficult times. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness comes from serving others and trusting in God. Let us strive to live with humility and faith, knowing that our trust in God will guide us through all situations.