Give your place to this man - Lk 14: 1, 7-11
A closer examination of today's Gospel avoids understanding it superficially as an instruction on modesty and good manners at the table. Here Jesus speaks of a new way of existence for God's adopted sons, which is humility and love that does not seek itself (1 Cor 13: 5). Humility towards God consists in putting ourselves in all His generous goodness and in an attitude of gratitude, which makes it possible to see in everything the generosity of the heavenly Father. The awareness that everything is a constant and undeserved gift, in turn, triggers the hospitality of the heart in a Christian, that is, cordial openness and readiness to help others. This love (agape) is not limited to the circle of relatives, friends or business associates. It welcomes those whom the world treats as second- or third-class people.
Living in the kingdom of God that is already present, in the closeness of God, the Christian experiences his manifold care and thus becomes able to forget about himself and his own needs; serving others who are more in need, it does so not to find their self-affirmation and gratification. He is free from himself and serves his neighbor simply because in service he finds a source of happiness that requires no further justification.
This gospel brings very important adjustments to our daily Christian life. First of all, it makes us realize that God's love and friendship cannot be bought, nor can you take it yourself; it can only be accepted as a gift. Second: you cannot be a Christian on your own behalf, in isolation from other people. Participation in the Eucharistic banquet is an announcement and preparation for the final banquet. A well-lived Holy Mass requires a continuation in our life: in selfless love and kindness, in an attitude of sacrificial service. This is the way to a feast in the kingdom of heaven.
Also, in today's Gospel, the Greek word kalein returns like a refrain many times in various forms: call by name, invite (active); be called, be invited (passive voice). On the one hand, it reminds us of the constant, manifold invitation to us from the Father in heaven to receive his generous gifts, natural and supernatural. On the other hand, it evokes our call to be inviting, open to our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and in need. In the light of the Lord Jesus' words, look at yourself in relation to the Father and how you accept His constant invitation to be close to Him, "in humility, simplicity and adoration." Notice how enormous the riches of His grace are. Also look at the people you live with and see what is the feast to which you invite them; how you invite others, especially "strangers" to enjoy the hospitality at your heart's home, to draw from your time, attentive and patient care, selfless warmth, compassion. Let more gratitude be born in you for all these generous gifts.
One more thought
In this parable, Jesus speaks about himself. He never comes first to our lives unless we ask him for it. If God does that, then should not we all behave like this? Raising yourself and putting yourself first is incompatible with Love. And whoever does not love humiliates himself. It is Love that is the true greatness of man, and not one or another social position.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george