Daily Readings - Tue Nov 03 2020
Philippians
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Luke
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'22"'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, obedience, and the universal call to God’s banquet. The second reading from Philippians presents us with a profound hymn about Christ’s self-emptying love. Jesus, who is equal to God, chose to humble himself, taking on the form of a servant and accepting death on the Cross. This act of humility led to his exaltation, and now every knee bends at the name of Jesus. The reading reminds us that true greatness is found in self-giving love and surrender to God’s will.
In the Gospel, Luke shares the parable of the great feast, where those initially invited make excuses and refuse to come. The master, though angered by their ingratitude, extends the invitation to the poor, the disabled, and even those on the highways and hedges. This parable underscores God’s desire to include all people in his kingdom, especially those often overlooked or marginalized. It also warns us against allowing worldly distractions or comforts to take precedence over our spiritual lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own humility and willingness to respond to God’s invitation. Like Christ, we are called to empty ourselves of pride and selfishness, embracing a life of service and obedience. At the same time, we must not take God’s grace for granted or allow excuses to keep us from participating in the spiritual feast he has prepared for us. Let us strive to live with humility and gratitude, recognizing that God’s invitation is open to all, and let us not miss the opportunity to share in his glory.