Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29
Ps. 68
Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24
Luke 14: 1, 7-14

The connection between the readings today is the virtue of humility. In the First Reading, the author tells us: “Humble yourself…and you will find favor with God.” The Responsorial Psalm connects the ‘poor’ of the Old Testament with humility, and sings, “God, in Your goodness You have made a home for the poor.” The Gospel presents us with two parables: the one, about taking the lower seat at the wedding; the other, about inviting to your home those who cannot repay you. God is inviting us all, through Jesus, to come to the eternal wedding party. Some think that they have reservations; others (the “humble” of the first reading, the “poor” of the psalm) are aware that the invitation tendered them is due to grace alone. The second parable reminds us that, as God has treated us, so we must treat others.

The Second Reading concludes our current examination of the Letter to the Hebrews. The contrast being drawn here is between the revelation of the Torah on Mount Sinai, and the “new and eternal Jerusalem” which is symbolized by Mount Zion. This is not a spirit of fear, but a spirit of glory and rejoicing.

This hymn is based on today’s Readings:
When summoned to a wedding feast,
Make haste to find a lowly seat;
All those who humbly treat themselves
Will be with fullness soon replete.

The reason for humility
Comes not from low or sinful state;
‘Tis rather that we're Zion's guests,
Ringed round by saints and angels great

Where we behold the Son of God
Who builds the bridge from heav'n to earth.
To live as Christ, to humbly serve,
Is surest gate to heaven's mirth.

LM
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