Daily Readings - Tue Nov 14 2023
Luke
7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Sermon
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God created humanity to be immortal, made in His image and likeness. However, through the envy of the devil, death entered the world. Yet, the souls of the just are in God’s hands, and no torment of death will touch them. Though they may suffer in the eyes of the foolish, their hope is rooted in immortality. This passage reassures us that those who trust in God will understand the truth and find peace in His love. It is a powerful reminder of the eternal nature of the soul and the ultimate triumph of the just.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a servant and master, emphasizing the importance of humility. He asks if a master would thank a servant for doing their duty, implying that the servant should not expect praise for fulfilling their responsibilities. Jesus then applies this to His disciples, saying that when they have done all that is commanded, they should humbly acknowledge that they are merely doing what is expected of them. This teaching challenges us to embrace a spirit of humility and selflessness in our service to God and others.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s plan and to live with humility. The first reading encourages us to see beyond the trials of this life, knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal peace with God. The Gospel reminds us that our efforts to follow God’s will are not for personal recognition but as an act of love and obedience. In our daily lives, let us face challenges with faith, knowing that God tests and refines us like gold in a furnace. Let us also serve others without seeking praise, recognizing that our true reward comes from being faithful stewards of God’s grace. May we strive to live as children of God, trusting in His wisdom and walking in humility.