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.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The sword of God's word penetrates soul and spirit, and often enters areas of ordinary human interaction where we don't expect it. In today's gospel, the Lord advises us about table etiquette!
He noticed how his companions were choosing the places of honor at a banquet. We can suppose there was an urgent rush toward those desirable spots, an impulsiveness which was barely hidden by the tight smiles and subtle pushes of the eager guests. I think of Mr. Trump's shoving the prime minister of Montenegro away from the center of the group during a photo op.
You don't need religion to tell you how embarrassing this crude behavior is. The masks of pleasant smiles only accentuate its stupidity.
Some Christians suppose that faith and reason are opposed to each other. When it suits them, they can dismiss scientific knowledge in favor of their own opinions. Jesus's teaching about preferring the lowest place at the table, and the possibility that you might be invited to "Come up higher!" demonstrates how realistic the Gospel is. There is nothing outlandish about living in the truth. We have only to ask the Spirit to guide us in all our ways.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.