The lesson in the two readings of today is the same. St Paul is warning the Gentile converts in Rome not to be puffed up with pride, thinking themselves wonderful and looking down on the Jews. Although Paul had had to suffer a good deal at the hands of his fellow Jews, he will not allow them to be treated with contempt. "As the chosen people they are still loved by God".

Jesus was invited to a banquet. Having noticed how some of the guests picked the places of honour, He warns them that this is a risky procedure, because they may be told to give up their place in favour of a more honoured guest. A great loss of face!

The message is the same: don't think too highly of yourself. Be humble, for "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted."

If we have been given the gift of faith, this does not entitle us to look down on those of other religions. They may be much more holy in the sight of God than we.

If we do an act of charity, we should not feel very virtuous. Rather, we should say, "I have done no more than my duty" (Lk. 17:10).