22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Week of August 29, 2010
Reading I: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29  (Conduct your affairs with humility. )

Reading II: Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a  (You have drawn near to the city of the living God. )

Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14  (Whoever exalts self shall be humbled and whoever humbles self will be exalted. )

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Week of August 29, 2010
Theme: Give as God gives - in humility and love.

Reading I: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29

• Conduct your affairs with humility.
  
  First Reading Background

• Today's first reading gives us the wisdom of Ben Sira, a second-century Jerusalem sage.
• Because of the upper-class situation of the sage and his students, today's lesson on humility is dramatic.
• The final verses introduce a favorite subject of Ben Sira, the giving of alms.

Reading II: Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a

• You have drawn near to the city of the living God.
  
  Second Reading Background

• In today's reading from Hebrews the image of the Israelites at Mount Sinai is colored with details from the book of Exodus and other Old Testament passages.
• The gloomy and fearful aspects of the old covenant experience are emphasized in contrast to the picture of Mount Zion.
• Christians do not have to live in fear of imitating the failures of certain figures in the history of salvation, for they have the advantage of the person of Jesus, who sealed the new covenant in his own blood.

Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14

• Whoever exalts self shall be humbled and whoever humbles self will be exalted.
  
  Gospel Background

• In today's Gospel, Luke presents a scene with Jesus in the home of a Pharisee.
• Jesus addresses the guests in the house with a parable that warns against self-exaltation. This lesson comes soon after the disciples were reprimanded by Jesus for vying for position.
• Jesus' words to the host point out that the kingdom is for everyone, and our hospitality is to embrace all, especially those who are overlooked.

Breaking Open the Word
Suggested text for faith sharing: Today's Gospel

Question for Adults: Who are the people living near you that you would find it most difficult to invite to a meal in your home? Or to invite to be part of your life?

Question for Children: Jesus tells us that we should treat everyone as a guest. Who do you tend to shun or not be nice to?