The Word of God: Lk 14, 1.7-11

One day, Jesus went to the house of a Pharisee leader for a meal: they tried to investigate him. Recognizing guests to choose the most seats that sit, should tell them this parable: "When he was invited to a wedding, do not sit at the most, lest any character is more important than he is invited , and then he invited both him and the other person to come and tell him, "Please give this place to him." Then he would be embarrassed to sit down. On the other hand, when you are invited, go to the last place, so that the person who invited you to come and say: "Please invite your friend up." So you will be honored in front of everyone at the table. " For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. "

Reflection:

When guests tend to opt for the most seats,
Jesus gives an advice to them (see verses 8-10).
Listening to these tips,
We have the impression that these are just teachings of how to behave smart.
Should choose to sit at the end,
Because if the hostess rearranges the seat in hierarchical order,
You have the opportunity to be invited to the place.
I would rather sit down and be lifted up, than sit on that was pulled down.
So sitting at the end of the end is just a pretend,
To hide the ambition to sit up.
Sitting at the end just to avoid a shame, humiliation,
and aim at an honor in front of all the companions (vv.9-10).
Does Jesus intend to teach such people?
Sure is not.

In the simple and misleading parable (v. 7),
Jesus wants to tell the guests something much more important.
The Magnificat says a great reversal will occur:
God slay the pride, put down the powerful, chase the rich,
but raise the humble, and spare the hungry (1, 51-53).
Blessings to Blame also speaks of this reversal.
Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the mourners.
Woe to the rich, the no, the one to be praised (6, 20-26).
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man is an illustration of that (16: 19-31).
In the last verse of the Gospel today,
Jesus also speaks of this reversal when the Kingdom of God comes.
"He who exalts himself will be humbled.
Anyone who humbles himself will be honored "(v. 11).
Being dropped in the party, it's a shame.
But God's descent on the last day is much worse.
The shame will remain forever.

In order to practice Jesus' advice properly,
St Basil gives us an illumination as follows:
"We have to let the hostess arrange the guests.
So we can sustain each other in patience and charity,
treat each other in respect,
Avoid all false and boastful searches.
We do not pretend to be humble.
Because arguing and arguing is a sign of arrogance
It's bigger than sitting on the first seat when sitting down for obedience. "
Christians still face the temptation of ambition and authority.
Undercover or openly, the scramble of influence still occurs.
In my heart, everyone thinks I am worth more than others.
Desire for honor, title, cause in the Church.
Just wish I was humble before my brothers.

Pray:

Jesus, because she was small,
Please love him with your baby's ability.

Let me know
little things every day,
the work quietly,
the duties that you do for love.

Let me love the little sacrifices every day,
Please welcome the cross though small,
but hurt my heart.

Let children know the little spirit of children,
Confidently weak and helpless,
happy to rely on God alone.

Furthermore, please give me courage,
Dare to choose what makes you become smaller,
Thanks to that I am happy to serve everyone
and happy to see you grow up in me.

Each time high temptation,
Let me see the way God has gone,
the road is small and humble.

May I be your friend
On the way from Bethlehem to Calvary,
and be with God in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Shut up. Anthony Nguyen Cao, S.J.

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