Catholic Daily Liturgical Guide 28.08.2022
Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29
My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise. Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 68:4–5, 6–7, 10–11 (see 11b)
R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. Sing to God, chant praise to his name; whose name is the LORD.
R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
SECOND READING
Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24a
Brothers and sisters:
You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 11:29ab
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 14:1, 7–14
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 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.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
The Gospel of the Lord. 🙏
REFLECTION: ATTENTIVENESS TO JESUS
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. (Luke 14:1)
What an interesting line. This line should not be overlooked in that it reveals a common reaction that some have to Jesus. What is the reaction? It’s the tendency to observe Jesus carefully from a distance.
Look at the context of this statement. Jesus was invited to the home of a leading Pharisee and many other people were present. Those who were there would have been considered the “movers and shakers” of that time. They were the influential, wealthy, educated, and prestigious of the community. Many would have been quite concerned about their reputation and quite curious about Jesus since He was growing in such popularity with the people. So, as a result, they were all “observing him carefully.”
Notice the implication present in this description of their reaction to Jesus. Unlike the manifest sinners of that time, theydid not come to Him, falling at His feet, begging for mercy. Rather, they appear to be quite interested in how Jesus will be accepted by others, what He will say and what they should think about Him. Even though it is unfortunate that they do not all completely turn to Jesus in faith, it’s at least good that they are attentive to Jesus and realize He is unique.
This curiosity on their part is not all bad. In fact, it may lead some of them to salvation. By observing Jesus, they are clearly pondering Him, His words and His actions. This is good if and only if it results in each one of them turning to Him in faith and choosing to embrace our Lord regardless of what others think. This is a risk for those consumed with their own public image. But it’s a risk that is worth taking. For those who are willing to humbly allow their observations to turn into true faith, their lives will change. But in order to do so, they must let go of any fear they have of what others may think.
Reflect, today, upon any tendency you have to only “observe” Jesus and His will from a distance. If you find you are curious and interested in the presence of God around you, do not hesitate to act on this curiosity, allowing His words and presence to change your life. Do not let yourself become concerned about what others may think. Give your life to Him without hesitation and you will be eternally grateful you did.
PRAYER:
Lord, when I perceive Your presence in my life, give me the courage I need to respond. May I never let societal pressures or pride to interfere with my turning to You. I love You, dear Lord. Help me to love You without reserve. Jesus, I trust in You.
