Daily Readings - Tue Nov 12 2019
Luke
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'?8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore profound truths about our existence and our relationship with God. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God created humanity for immortality, and though death entered the world through the devil's envy, the righteous find peace in God's hands. Their suffering is temporary, and they will ultimately shine, judging nations and reigning with the Lord. This passage reassures us that our struggles are not in vain and that trust in God leads to eternal peace.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching on humility and service. Using the parable of the servant, Jesus illustrates that serving without expectation of praise is a duty, not a cause for reward. This challenges us to embrace a life of selfless service, reflecting our commitment to God without seeking earthly recognition.
Both readings converge on themes of trust and humble service. While the first reading addresses the ultimate glory of the righteous, the Gospel emphasizes the nature of our service. Together, they teach us to trust in God's plan and to serve humbly, recognizing that our true reward lies in eternal life.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to face challenges with faith, knowing our struggles have divine purpose. We are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting our duty to God. The moral lesson is clear: our worth is in our faithfulness, not earthly rewards. Let us embrace humility and trust, serving with hearts open to God's will, knowing our efforts contribute to a greater purpose.