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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Jeremiah 2:4-13)
Through Jeremiah the Lord charges Israel with gross unfaithfulness. In spite of many blessings at God’s hand, they have become as worthless as the idols to which they have turned. The Lord is outraged that they have forsaken him, the true God, for useless figments of their imagination.
Psalm (81:1, 10-16)
The Psalmist, speaking for the Lord, recites Israel’s refusal to obey the Lord. In spite of his bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land they prefer their own ways to his. He yearns for his people to repent so that he can deliver them and pour abundant blessings upon them.
Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)
The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.
Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
- Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
- A little humility goes a long way
- In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
- Vanity, vanity, all is vanity
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Proverbs 25:6-7)
The writer advises that a person should not presume a position among the great because it is better to be invited to come forward than to be embarrassed by being shown a lesser place.
Psalm (112)
The Psalmist notes that those who fear the Lord will be among the great and prosperous in the Land. They give light to others by their gracious conduct, generosity to those in need, and righteous conduct. Secure in the Lord, they provoke the envy of the wicked in their vain desires.
Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)
The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.
Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
- Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
- A little humility goes a long way
- In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
- Vanity, vanity, all is vanity