Wisdom 9:13-18                                    Philemon 9-10,12-17                                   Luke 14:25-33

The first reading teaches that we may be weighed down by worldly concerns, but that God’s Spirit gives us wisdom to walk in his ways.  In the second reading, Paul asks Philemon to accept his runaway slave back as a brother.  In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that to be his disciples, one must be willing to give up family, possessions and even one’s life.

How do we measure our happiness?  How do we spend our time and money?  What is important to us?  Today’s readings ask us to examine our lives as true disciples of Jesus & to live according to his teachings.  To do this, we will require the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which help us to discern God’s will and to heed his commands

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

Sirach teaches the value of humility.  Luke echoes this teaching in the Gospel.  Jesus describes a wedding feast where the guests compete for the more prestigious places at table.  Jesus points out that it is better to take a lower seat.  Hebrews compares the Old Law, with its gloomy darkness, to Mount Zion, where the joyous New Covenant is given.

Humility is a moral virtue that helps us counter our human tendency toward exaggerated pride.  Humility does not require us to walk about with downcast eyes as we strike our breasts.  Rather, through humility we recognize and celebrate our talents, because we acknowledge God as their source and his praise as their purpose.