Invited

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Invited

Table     Seat

Approach     Chose     Proceed

Humble Self Be Exalted

Repayment

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 14:1, 7-14

Jesus went to have dinner at the home of one of the leading Pharisees on a Sabbath. Those gathered were watching Jesus carefully.

Jesus observed how they were all choosing their places at table and it moved him to offer a parable:

"When you are invited for a special meal, do not choose the place of honor. A more distinguished guest could be invited and the host or hostess might have to ask you to move to a lower place.

It is far better to take a lower place and then you can be invited to a higher one. When that happens, the others at table will look upon you with much esteem.

If you exalt yourself, you will be humbled; but if you humble yourself, you will be raised up.

When you throw a big party, it is much better to invite those who cannot repay you:

the poor

the crippled

the lame

the blind.

For you will be repaid at the time of the resurrection."

Reflection:

How do you feel when you get an invitation?

Many times it will depend on the circumstances: who is inviting you, what is involved, when will the event take place?

In a number of situations it is a blessing to get an invitation. We are excited and honored to have been included in the event. It means that someone is thinking about us and cares about us.

In our reading from Luke Jesus has received an invitation. It is interesting how Jesus observes the dinner. He notices those who want to be in a more prominent position.

We all have that tendency. We like to be noticed and to be next to certain people when we gather with a group. We can even be uncomfortable if we are not near someone we know.

Jesus, as usual, recommends a different approach. He advises us to take a lowly position; a place where we will not be noticed and, perhaps, where we will not know anyone.

On top of that Jesus advises us to invite those who are most in need when we throw a party. We are not to invite the rich and powerful but the poor and the sick. 

We are to reach out to those many in society would view as difficult and unattractive. Our invitations should go to those most in need. We are called to share the blessings that Jesus has given us with them.

Kathy's photo displays one such invitation to come for dinner. If you need a good meal, come here and we will serve you. We will exalt you and raise you up. We do not want a repayment.

We want to give.

As Jesus does.

1. What is the best invitation you have received lately?

2. Do you try to take a lowly position when you are invited to a celebration?

3. Is it a good idea to invite those who are most in need when we throw a party?

4. What do you feel when you look at Kathy's photo?