Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 4, 2023
First Reading: Romans 11.1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
1I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.2God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah--how he appealed to God against Israel:11Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.12But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.26And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.27And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."28As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,29for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Psalm 94
1O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.3How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?4They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.5They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.6They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.7They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."8Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?9Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?10Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?11The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.12Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;13you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.14For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.15Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?17Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.18When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.20Can a corrupt throne be allied with you- one that brings on misery by its decrees?21They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.22But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.23He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.
Gospel: Luke 14.1, 7-11
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 encounter profound reflections on humility, God’s plan, and the unity of His people. The first reading from Romans reminds us that God’s love for Israel remains unwavering, even when they stumble. Paul explains that Israel’s partial blindness allows the Gentiles to share in salvation, but this is not the end of God’s plan for His chosen people. He assures us that one day, “all of Israel will be saved,” fulfilling God’s covenant promise. This passage invites us to trust in the mystery of God’s plan and to see ourselves as part of a larger story that includes both Jews and Gentiles.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about humility. Jesus warns against seeking the highest places at a banquet, lest we be humbled publicly. Instead, He encourages us to take the lowest place, so that we might be exalted by the host. This teaching is not just about social etiquette but about the posture of our hearts. True humility involves recognizing our place before God and others, trusting that God will lift us up in His time. Just as Paul emphasizes God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles, Jesus emphasizes the importance of living with humility and trust in God’s providence.
These readings call us to live with humility and trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to seek recognition or status, but Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and living with humility. Similarly, Paul’s words encourage us to see ourselves as part of a larger community, united in God’s plan of salvation. Let us strive to live with humility, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His own time. May we embrace our place in His story, knowing that His ways are higher than our own.