Saturday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time - Luke 14:1, 7-11
On the Sabbath, Jesus was invited to dine at the
house of a prominent Pharisee. There were other guests in attendance and
they were intently observing Jesus. When he arrived, Jesus had noticed
how many of the guests had vied for places of honor at the table. After a
time, Jesus said to the guests: “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do
not sit in a place of honor at table. It may happen that a guest
deserving of a place of honor may arrive and need a seat of honor. Thus,
the host may approach you and ask you to give your place to the honored guest.
And you would experience the embarrassment of having to move down to a
lower place.”
Jesus tells his listeners that it is better to
take a lower place at table. Then the host may come to you and say:
"My friend, move up higher.” The other guests then may hold you in
high esteem. Jesus concludes with the statement: “For everyone who exalts
himself/herself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself/herself will be
exalted.”
Status-seeking is rampant in our world.
Many people seek fame, power and recognition. However, there also
are many individuals who live their lives quietly and simply. They are
content with God, family, friends and a simple lifestyle. Fame may look
glamorous. However, almost every day in the newspaper or on television we
hear stories of how the famous and the glamorous have fallen or been defamed,
often by their own choices.
Today Jesus encourages us to be content with
what seemingly is “lowly and least.” Often it is in the small and
seemingly insignificant gifts of everyday life where we may experience the
greatest love, joy, peace, and contentment. Today be mindful and notice
the many small gifts you receive. Thank the giver and thank God!
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