Daily Readings - Sat Oct 31 2020
Philippians
18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.19Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Luke
1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the virtues of humility and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from Philippians finds St. Paul in prison, yet his spirit remains unbroken. He rejoices because, despite his confinement, the Gospel is being preached, and he is confident that God will bring good out of his suffering. Paul’s trust in God’s plan is unwavering, and he sees his situation not as an end but as an opportunity for Christ to be glorified. His words remind us that our ultimate goal is to live and die for Christ, knowing that true life is found in Him.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable that underscores the importance of humility. Jesus observes how guests at a banquet rush to take the places of honor, only to risk being humiliated if someone more distinguished arrives. He teaches that true greatness comes not from seeking recognition but from embracing humility. This lesson challenges us to examine our own attitudes and behaviors, especially in social settings. It reminds us that humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our place and letting God exalt us in His time.
Together, these readings call us to live with humility and trust in God’s plan. Like Paul, we may face challenges or setbacks, but we can rejoice knowing that God works through all things for our good. And like the guests in the parable, we are invited to embrace humility, not for the sake of appearances, but as a way of life. Let us strive to live in such a way that Christ is magnified in us, whether in times of trial or in our everyday interactions. May we find joy in trusting God’s plan and in living with the humility that reflects the heart of Christ.