2 April 2007

This week will focus on the parable of the great dinner in Luke chapter 14. And yet, we need to back up a few verses to set the stage for the parable.

We he (Jesus) noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to talk the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when you host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:7-11)

First note that all who are at this wedding banquet are guests. That is already a place of honor. Each one has been invited to come and share in the feast and the party that follows. I suppose there may be a rush for the lowest seat after hearing this parable. And yet, it would be my bet that there is never a rush for the lowest seat. This kind of action - taking a position that appears to be lower than others - is not something that comes to most of us too easily. Let's go back to the notion that all are guests at the banquet. With that in mind, there is no one of greater honor. We need not seek out a position of greater honor in the room - we are already honored by the invitation. Now there is opportunity to simple enjoy, celebrate, be filled, dance, and meet the others who have come by invitation. In fact, like the gracious invitation extended to us, we have the opportunity to extend invitation to other to sit at the table we choose. Invitation is something to be shared...it is always a gift and it always shows the value of each. Yes, there are some at a party or wedding feast who place a special role - but that is not a role we designate for ourselves and it is not something that makes one better than another. A good host will make sure that all who are invited are welcome and greeted and partake in all that is to come. That....is enough.

Connection: Be a guest within God's Reign. Invited to share in the life that has been give to us and sealed with a simple cross on our forehead at baptism. It is not something seen...but it is an invitation and recognition of our part in the party...today.

Blessed are you, O Giver of Life, for you extend to us a simple gift - an invitation to share in the bounty of your love and mercy and kindness. Help us to humbly walk with one another so that we each are able to come to an appreciation of each other and the many roles we play in the community of your beloved. Amen.