He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. . . . Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’”
In today’s Gospel reading, Luke describes how Jesus notices the people who chose places of honor at the table. I can imagine Jesus silently watching. His notice of this is the divine gaze of God the Father, from whom nothing is hidden. Jesus knows the arrogance and futility of competing for honor. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,” Jesus says, “but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
God, thank you for being present among your people to read our hearts. I want to understand how to live a life that is not in competition with others but in selflessness that allows me to keep my eyes on you. Saint Paul expresses this same self-emptying in his letter to the Philippians from today’s reading: “And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” Lord, help me put honor in its rightful place—namely, with you—by doing your will and giving glory to your name.
Jesus, just as you observed carefully the people seeking places of honor at the table, let me see with your eyes the choices that lie before me. At the Annunciation, Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Stay with me today, God, so that I can rest in you and through your grace find solace in humility.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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