Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings

“When You Hold A Banquet, Invite The Poor, The Crippled, The Lame, The Blind”

Our readings for this Sunday focus our attention on the virtues of humility and service to others, especially to those who have no ability to repay us. In short, we are being called to “give and not to count the cost” - Prayer for Generosity, St. Ignatius Loyola

In our first reading (Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29), we hear from one of the last books of the Old Testament, written by a man named Jeshua, ben Sira (Jesus, son of Sirach). It is a book of wisdom and moral teachings. In this passage, ben Sira extolls the virtues of humility and alms giving. The proud and the haughty will not find favor with God but the alms giver will atone for his / her sins. Ben Sira writes, “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. “

Our Epistle reading (Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24), is a study in contrast between the Mosaic Covenant that presented a God of blazing fire and trumpet blasts and the New Covenant of Christ, based on the justice of a loving God. We have approached the heavenly Jerusalem, our living God and Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant.

Our Gospel reading (Luke 14:1,7-14), is a teaching on humility and service. Jesus seems to have been echoing the words of Sirach in our first reading, “Humble yourselves the more, the greater you are.” Jesus suggested that when we holding a lunch or a dinner, do not invite those of your own station, “Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Today’s readings on humility seem to be a good definition of the beatitude, “Poor in Spirit.” It is the opposite of pride. It is more than an attitude, it is the state of being in which Jesus calls us to action. Humility and service go hand-in-hand. It is in those we serve that we find Jesus; it is in our humility that Jesus finds us.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm