Romans 11 : 1-2,11-12,25-29
Luke 14 : 1,7-11
No matter how far we have gone in life or how much we have achieved, it is always necessary to remember our humble origins.
More so when we remember how little we had in the past and how much we have to struggle to become who and what we are today.
Remembering our humble origins would only make us realize that we cannot take anything for granted and that whatever blessings we have received from God also has to be shared with the unfortunate and the needy.
Remembering our humble origins would cultivate in us a humble heart and we also know that without God's blessings, we won't be who and what we are today.
That is essentially the teaching of Jesus in today's gospel, that anyone who humbles himself will be exalted, and vice versa.
So we are reminded that everything is a gift from God, for without His blessings we can't achieve anything, much less have anything.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul also reminds us that God never takes back His gifts and blessings or revokes His choice.
The Jews were chosen to reveal the Messiah, and we Christians are chosen to reveal God's gift of salvation to all peoples.
Hence the blessings we have received from God are not just for our sakes but for the sake of the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
By who we are and with what we have, we are to proclaim the love of God and that is not an option.
That is our mission and it is an obligation, for which we will be held accountable.
So with humble hearts, let us remember that everything is a gift from God and we are called to share that gift.