First reading Philippians 1:18-26
Life to me is Christ; but death would bring me more
Christ is proclaimed; and that makes me happy; and I shall continue being happy, because I know this will help to save me, thanks to your prayers and to the help which will be given to me by the Spirit of Jesus. My one hope and trust is that I shall never have to admit defeat, but that now as always I shall have the courage for Christ to be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my death. Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more; but then again, if living in this body means doing work which is having good results – I do not know what I should choose. I am caught in this dilemma: I want to be gone and be with Christ, which would be very much the better, but for me to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need for your sake. This weighs with me so much that I feel sure I shall survive and stay with you all, and help you to progress in the faith and even increase your joy in it; and so you will have another reason to give praise to Christ Jesus on my account when I am with you again.
Responsorial Psalm 41(42):2-3,5
My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life.
Like the deer that yearns
for running streams,
so my soul is yearning
for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God,
the God of my life;
when can I enter and see
the face of God?
I would lead the rejoicing crowd
into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving.
Gospel Luke 14:1,7-11
Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled
Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’
To Live Is Christ
In the first reading, St Paul proclaims with conviction, “Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more.” His whole life belongs to Jesus. Whether he lives to serve Christ through his mission or dies to be with Him, Christ remains his purpose. Nothing- not suffering, imprisonment, opposition, or even death- can take this away from him. Can we echo St Paul’s words, “Life to me is Christ”? This is challenging because we often place our careers, wealth, success, comfort, and others’ approval at the centre of our lives. When these become our highest priorities, we may find ourselves anxious and exhausted. Today, let us place Christ at the centre of our lives. He gives us strength in times of difficulty and hope to guide every decision we make.
In the Gospel, Jesus shows us that when we place Him at the centre of our lives, we become free to serve others and to be quiet witnesses to His love. We are no longer trapped by the desire for honour, the need to prove ourselves, or the longing for recognition. Rooted in Christ, we rejoice when good is done.
Reflective question:
Where is Christ inviting me to serve with greater humility and freedom?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
