Daily Readings - Mon Oct 31 2022
Philippians
1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Luke
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 selflessness. The first reading from Philippians reminds us that our faith is not just about individual devotion but about living in communion with one another. Paul urges us to embrace a mindset of unity and humility, where we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires. This is not about false modesty but about recognizing that our true strength comes from Christ and our shared life in the Spirit.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by challenging us to think differently about how we interact with others. Jesus teaches that true generosity is not about seeking recognition or reciprocity but about serving those who cannot repay us. When we invite the poor, the lame, and the blind to our table—whether literally or metaphorically—we embody the humility and compassion that God desires. This is not just about charity; it’s about living out the Kingdom of God, where everyone has dignity and worth.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. Do we seek to uplift others, or do we often act out of self-interest? Do we notice those on the margins, or do we only surround ourselves with people who can benefit us? The moral lesson is clear: humility and selflessness are not just virtues to admire but practices to live by. When we embrace these values, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of His love in the world. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the unity, humility, and compassion that Jesus and Paul teach us.