Scripture Readings 28th August 2016, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Sir 3:17-20, 28-29 Ps 67:4-11 Heb 12:18-19, 22-24 Lk 14:1, 7-14

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Part of Wisdom literature, the Book of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, was written by Ben Sira about 200 BC. Full of traditional Jewish and worldly wisdom and morals, it is based on deep experience. After describing our duties towards God, the book turns to our duties towards our parents. This extract emphasises the need for humility in face of God’s greatness – echoed by the Psalm – and the wisdom that comes from listening carefully. The omitted verses advise us not to seek what is beyond our power nor tasks beyond what has been assigned to us.
Having described our disciplining by God last Sunday, our final reading from Hebrews describes the exciting delights of the heavenly city we have now entered, after our baptism. Instead of fearsome Sinai, Zion – the new “Temple Mount” where God resides – is full of angels in tumultuous joyful festival, with believers and saints made perfect being welcomed by Jesus and our God. What a welcome! But God is still judge: as we have been given the privilege of Jesus as covenant-mediator, we have the responsibility of offering thanksgiving to God
In Luke’s gospel we hear about Jesus having dinner with a Pharisee. Two parables illustrate the themes from the first reading of humility and not giving ourselves airs.

Psalm Response: In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor