I'm afraid that this is going to be one of those multiple-post topics. Sorry. You've been warned. There is just too much good stuff to squeeze it into just one post.
Quick (and sloppy) synopsis of the readings:
First Reading - Sirach: this is a book of good advice, and this particular section focuses on humility (everyone's favorite topic . . . NOT!)
Psalm 68 - God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor. God's overflowing goodness ensures a place for everyone at the table. It is freely given, we only need to accept the gift.
Second Reading - Hebrews: run-on sentences that basically compare the Old Testament covenant with the New Testament covenant. We grow in our understanding from the definite rules and strict laws of the OT to the knowledge of Jesus as The Way, Truth, and Life in the NT.
Gosep - Luke: Don't give yourself the place of honor at a wedding banquet (aka be humble - connection to the first reading)
So now . . . where to start? Wedding banquet rules, humility, first/last, covenant, God's goodness . . . so many choices!
Let's start with the wedding banquet. I heard something new in the reflection from Living Liturgy 2013 that I didn't catch before. But first, some context. The verses from Luke are 14:1, 7-14. A constant question at our bible study is, 'What are the missing verses, and why were they left out?' Referring to another bible study book, we learned that in verses 2-6 Jesus heals a man who wasn't part of the wedding guests. It went on to say that Jesus was telling the parable to make his point and remind the host and guests that they were too focused on the legalities of what should and shouldn't be done (since healing someone on the Sabbath was frowned upon), instead of actually helping/serving others (old covenant vs. new covenant understanding from 2nd reading).
Oops - I guess I can't exactly separate the topics - who knew they were so entwined :) Lame, I know - Sorry, I'm tired.
Okay, back to the original thread. So not only is the parable teaching us to not seek honor for the sake of recognition, but Jesus also suggests that we serve those who cannot repay us. Thus our effort is even more selfless, since there would not be any reciprocation. But here's what really caught my interest: the parable can have another meaning, one in which Jesus is referring to the 'eternal wedding banquet' - Heaven. To quote from Living Liturgy:
". . . in God's kingdom . . . human expectations are reversed: the humble are exalted and the exalted are humbled. [. . . ] Acts of earthly humility and generosity are met with heavenly exaltation and God's generosity. Humility is, in part, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses (see first reading) and one's place (gospel). But it is more. Humility is the virtue by which we acknowledge our status before God: we are "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" who come to God's table because of God's invitation and generosity." Living Liturgy 2013Wow - read that last line again. WE are the poor. WE are the crippled. WE are the lame. WE are the blind. Jesus' suggestion of inviting those who cannot repay is already fulfilled by God. God invites us to the Heavenly Banquet, and there is nothing we can do to earn that invitation. It is freely given, with love. No amount of Christian acts or prayer can equate to a place at the table. Lucky for us, God is a good host, and doesn't keep score on who brought what to the party. We just have to show up. The best part? We can come as we are. No dress code, no host gift, no perfection required. We bring ourselves, brokenness and baggage (BYOB), and what a party it will be!
More to come . . .
Prayer - God, thank you for being such a gracious host. Help me to remember and trust in your promise. I can come as I am, right now, and You welcome me with open arms, baggage and all. I don't always trust that promise. I want to believe it with every fiber of my being: You love me as I am.
No comments:
Post a Comment