Daily Readings - Sun Aug 31 2025
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the virtues of humility and generosity, reminding us that true greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in serving others and living with integrity. In the first reading from Sirach, we are encouraged to cultivate humility and to care for those in need. The author warns against the dangers of pride and selfishness, emphasizing that a divided heart—one that wavers between virtue and vice—will not find success. Instead, we are called to live simply, humbly, and with compassion, especially toward the poor and the marginalized.
The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying experience of encountering God on Mount Sinai with the joyful and grace-filled encounter we have with God in the heavenly Jerusalem. Here, we are reminded that we are part of a vast spiritual community, united with angels, saints, and all the just who have gone before us. This reading invites us to approach God with reverence and gratitude, recognizing the profound gift of our inclusion in this divine assembly through Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus teaching about the importance of humility and generosity. Through the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus warns against seeking the highest places, as true honor comes not from self-promotion but from serving others. He then turns to the host, urging him to invite those who cannot repay him—such as the poor, the disabled, and the blind. This teaching challenges us to reorient our lives away from self-interest and toward acts of love and mercy. By embracing humility and generosity, we not only reflect the heart of God but also find true fulfillment and joy in our lives. Let us strive to live with hearts that are open, humble, and always ready to serve.