30th week in Ordinary Time: Saturday, November 4,2006

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-26. Psalm 42:2-5. Luke 14:1.7-11.

We continue the reading of Paul to his most beloved community at Philippi, an ancient town in northeastern Greece in north central Macedonia. He shows us his burning zeal issuing from his heart of faith. His love for Christ motivates him to continue preaching and fulfilling his ministry as an apostle though he realizes that by dying he would be united with Christ and that too is very desireable. He wants all of the Gentile world to become aware of the redeeming love of Christ upon the Cross. We hear him saying, "I remain alive for your sakes. This fills me with confidence that I will stay with you and persevere with you all, for your joy and your prayers in the faith." His inward yearning for Christ the Messiah is expressed well in the Psalm chosen for today, Psalm 42: "My soul is thirsting for the Lord...when shall I go and behold the face of the Lord?"

The imagery of the Psalm is beautiful. It is that of a deer, a female deer that is timid. " It is fearful of an attack at a pool or stream by stronger animals which congregate there yet driven by the instinct of self-preservation to find the water that is essential to life. It offers a most striking analogy to the Psalmist, hunted by enemies, who feels that he cannot live without the spiritual refreshment which he drew from the Temple." (Soncino Commentary on the Psalms, p.130) This was often Paul's situation as he traveled from village to village facing foreigners and bringing them the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus which most of them would refuse.

Our Gospel scene occurs some twenty or more years earlier during the lifetime of Jesus. Again it is a sabbath and Jesus is invited to a meal-- a common theme in Luke who seems to like parties and food! A leading Pharisee has invited him and Jesus takes note of some of the guests who are looking for preferential treatment. They seek the better places at table after having studied the situation. Jesus uses this as a teaching moment for human wisdom, propriety, and honest evaluation. "Do not sit in the place of honor in case some greater dignitary has been invited." Wisdom leads to an honest and humble evaltuation of oneself. " For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted." Amen.