Daily Readings - Tue Nov 11 2025
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 for immortality, fashioned in His own image. However, death entered the world through the envy of the devil. Despite this, the souls of the just remain in God’s hands, untouched by death’s torment. To the foolish, the righteous may seem to die or suffer, but in truth, they are at peace, tested and refined like gold in a furnace. They will shine in the time of God’s visitation and judge the nations, reigning with the Lord forever. This passage assures us that those who trust in God and remain faithful will understand the truth and find rest in His love.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable about a servant and his master. Jesus asks if a master would immediately welcome a servant who has just finished working in the field to sit and eat. He points out that the master would instead expect the servant to prepare dinner and serve first. Jesus then applies this to our relationship with God: when we have done all that we are commanded, we should not expect praise but rather humbly acknowledge that we have only done our duty. This teaching emphasizes the virtue of humility and the recognition that our service to God and others is not for earthly reward but out of love and obedience.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our attitude toward suffering and service. The Book of Wisdom encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of suffering, knowing that our ultimate peace and glory are in Him. The Gospel calls us to embrace humility, recognizing that our efforts to live according to God’s will are not for our own glory but as a response to His grace. In daily life, this means accepting challenges with faith, serving others without seeking recognition, and finding joy in doing God’s will. Let us strive to live as “useless servants,” humbly trusting in God’s love and providence.