A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 14:1, 7-11)
At the home of one of the leading Pharisees, Jesus 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. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches lessons on humility and the importance of avoiding seeking honor and recognition. As he tells the parable, he shows those who listen to choose the lower place rather than the places of honor at a table. Jesus says: “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. . . .’ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” With the supreme model of humility given to us by Christ in his complete self-emptying on the cross in obedience to the Father, we have every means available to humble ourselves before others and before God.
Father in heaven, meet me where I am today in my desire to purge myself of seeking honor at whichever table honor has a place. I often take the long way to humility when I would do better to take the short way; that is, help me abandon the habits of defensiveness, arrogance, and judgment that inhibit me from humbling myself. Give me the grace to hold my tongue when I have the impulse to uphold what is better to let go of; come to my aid, God, in following the example of your Son.
From the Gospel acclamation: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, For I am meek and humble of heart.” Saint Charles Borromeo, pray for us.
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.