Faith Daily | 30 October 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST

Almighty and everlasting God,

give to us the increase of faith, hope and love;

and, that we may obtain what you promise,

make us to love what you command;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 14: 7-11

7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. 8‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Peter Brady

In this passage Jesus continues his criticism of the Pharisees' hypocrisy and arrogance. The message is simple enough, do not presume to take honours or think yourself worthier than another for God is the font of all honour and knows the true worth of all. To ensure the rebuke is understood Jesus even uses the language of Proverbs 25:6-7, using scripture against those who claimed to be experts on, and live according to, it.

While social customs are now different, we live in a world that still values power, wealth, popularity or the number of followers on social media accounts. People want to avoid humiliation and may go to great lengths to do so, perhaps even acting act meek and humble to attract attention. Fortunately, we have the example of our Lord Jesus to guide us. The servant king, who deserved the highest place but took the lowest in obedience to God. And this humility led to his glory. William Temple, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, summarised humility as not thinking less of yourself than others, or having a low opinion of your gifts but as having the freedom from thinking about yourself at all and thinking about others instead.

FINAL PRAYER:

Father, part of us longs for the spotlight and the accolades that come with it. Help us resist this foolish pride. Humble us gently Father for you know our value to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.