Daily Readings - Sat Nov 04 2023
Romans
1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on humility, God’s plan, and the unity of His people. The first reading from Romans reminds us that God’s love for Israel remains unwavering, even when they stumble. Paul explains that Israel’s partial blindness allows the Gentiles to share in salvation, but this is not the end of God’s plan for His chosen people. He assures us that one day, “all of Israel will be saved,” fulfilling God’s covenant promise. This passage invites us to trust in the mystery of God’s plan and to see ourselves as part of a larger story that includes both Jews and Gentiles.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about humility. Jesus warns against seeking the highest places at a banquet, lest we be humbled publicly. Instead, He encourages us to take the lowest place, so that we might be exalted by the host. This teaching is not just about social etiquette but about the posture of our hearts. True humility involves recognizing our place before God and others, trusting that God will lift us up in His time. Just as Paul emphasizes God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles, Jesus emphasizes the importance of living with humility and trust in God’s providence.
These readings call us to live with humility and trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to seek recognition or status, but Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and living with humility. Similarly, Paul’s words encourage us to see ourselves as part of a larger community, united in God’s plan of salvation. Let us strive to live with humility, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His own time. May we embrace our place in His story, knowing that His ways are higher than our own.