Introit: Ps. 119:1-2, 5-6; antiphon: Ps. 119:137, 124

Gradual: Ps. 33:12, 6

Old Testament: Prov. 25:6-14

Psalm 2 (antiphon: v.11)

Epistle: Eph. 4:1-6

ProperVerse: Ps. 116:1

Gospel: Luke 14:1-11

Whoever Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted

"Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence" (Prov. 25:6_14). Rather, take the lowest position at the table. Humble yourself before Him. For your place is not for you to take but for Him to give. Conduct yourself with all lowliness and gentleness, bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:1_6), that the King may give you glory in the presence of those at the table with you. "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:1_11). Is this not the way of Christ? He is the one who took the lowest place, who humbled Himself even to the point of death for us. He is now exalted to the highest place at the right hand of the Father that penitent believers may be exalted together with Him in the resurrection. To the humble at His Supper He says, "Friend, move up higher," giving you His very body and blood for your forgiveness that you may ascend to take part in the great wedding feast which has no end.