Humility and Equality

My dear Friends in Christ,

Perhaps one of the reasons I like reading Luke’s Gospel so much is that the Jesus of Luke’s Gospel has a strong interest in eating. There are more references to eating, banquets, and being at table in Luke than in any other Gospel. It has to be appealing since I share his affinity for all things associated with food! We all love to witness a wedding and be apart of the wedding feast. At this particular banquet, Jesus is seated with a large group of people and is observing how the people would be seated, which would lead him to a very important teachable moment. Jesus taught them a parable and said, “instead of seeking glory for yourself, spend your time and energy giving glory to God.” Jesus then addresses the leader of the Pharisees, “You’re inviting the wrong people,” Jesus told him. “By including only friends, family, and those who can advance your status, you are no better than these guests who are fighting over the best seat in the house. You’re trying to make yourself look good by surrounding yourself with ‘important’ people, while you ignore the ones who should be enjoying your hospitality.” This was not a lesson on etiquette. Jesus cuts right to the chase. It was time to throw out the old order of righteousness and bring in the new order of humility and equality. If we were invited to attend, where would we want to be seated? Would we be willing to invite the less fortunate up to the head of the table?

May God bless you all,

Father John