Our Daily Bread: Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Luke 14:1, 7-11

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Do I hold myself above others because of my nationality, religion, good taste or virtuous life? If I seriously believe that I am intrinsically superior to any of God’s children because of the circumstances of my life, especially my citizenship in God’s kingdom, then I am exalting myself and headed for embarrassment. I need to learn humility, which requires that I discard all masks — Halloween or otherwise — in favor of complete honesty and simple gratitude. All my gifts, especially God’s saving grace, are just that: unearned gifts. Lord, thank you for all your gifts.

*Help me always to use them for your glory and the good of my brothers and sisters.