Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: PHIL 1:18B-26; PS 42:2, 3, 5CDEF; LK 14:1, 7-11
Notes: In today’s gospel portion we are given the advice by the Lord Jesus to take the lowest place.
Humility is a trademark world view for a follower of Jesus. It is not easy to be humble in every circumstance and every situation.
If you have skills, resources, abilities or other assets under your control it is an effort to master yourself to be subordinate to the needs of others. It is an effort!! Tomorrow’s Gospel portion Zacchaeus does just that but I’m jumping ahead.
Cain was given the same advice, yes?
Read here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/4?3-7
Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected? If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it (Gen 4:6-7).
It’s an ages old problem.
I want HONOR. Whether the honor is actual or imagined!
Jesus gives an easier to understand situation.
At a banquet where honors are given assume your honor is … to wait for your honor.
Don’t impose your honor but allow it to be given you.
In the end this is always the better choice.
Here these words of the Apostle Paul further on in the letter to the Philippians:
Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:5-12).
In today’s first reading Paul reminds us of his honor is two parts: (1) his effort and (2) your love for God.
He does not measure his success. He measures your love as the only important thing to be concerned about.
First reading
And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.
Responsorial Psalm
My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Alleluia Verse
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
Gospel Portion
Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
If you must measure, then measure this:
- Does my work move people to love?
- Do you have love?
That is the only honor that matters.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 