Daily Readings - Mon Oct 31 2022
Philippians
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Luke
12Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the virtues of humility and selflessness. The first reading from Philippians reminds us that our faith is not just about individual devotion but about living in communion with one another. Paul urges us to embrace a mindset of unity and humility, where we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires. This is not about false modesty but about recognizing that our true strength comes from Christ and our shared life in the Spirit.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by challenging us to think differently about how we interact with others. Jesus teaches that true generosity is not about seeking recognition or reciprocity but about serving those who cannot repay us. When we invite the poor, the lame, and the blind to our table—whether literally or metaphorically—we embody the humility and compassion that God desires. This is not just about charity; it’s about living out the Kingdom of God, where everyone has dignity and worth.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. Do we seek to uplift others, or do we often act out of self-interest? Do we notice those on the margins, or do we only surround ourselves with people who can benefit us? The moral lesson is clear: humility and selflessness are not just virtues to admire but practices to live by. When we embrace these values, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of His love in the world. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the unity, humility, and compassion that Jesus and Paul teach us.