Everyone is Important

09-01-2019Weekly Reflection©LPi

Can you imagine if Jesus threw a party? From the wedding feast at Cana, we know he wouldn’t let the wine run out. From this Sunday’s Gospel, we know there would be quite a lively array of guests! We also knew who the most important people would be — everyone.

Jesus advises throwing a party that turns everything upside down. Everyone should assume they’re the least important attendee, and the guest list shouldn’t include the neighborhood “who’s who.” Rather, we should go looking for “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” and hope they RSVP. Jesus describes a particular posture towards our own hospitality.

Parties are about the other people. “Do not recline at table in the place of honor.” How often can small talk become a one-upmanship of job promotions, home renovations, and our children’s achievements? We’ve all been to parties where being the most interesting guest is the highest achievement. Yet so often, we know the best party guests are the ones who listen well to our stories. Whether we are guests or hosts, we have the opportunity to look on others with humility and awe.

Parties are opportunities to serve. Jesus advises us to be careful who we invite “in case they might invite you back and you have repayment.” Does Jesus literally mean we shouldn’t invite our friends over? Of course not! But he does invite us to special consideration when we offer hospitality.

When we invite people over to our home, what motivates us? Who we want to spend time with? Who we’d like to impress? These ultimately have only ourselves in mind. How about asking: Who could use some extra care right now? Who could benefit from a fun evening out?

In other words, who can I serve?

Fr. Emmanuel’s Weekly Prayer

My prayer for you this week is 2 Cor. 12:9. It says: My Grace is sufficient for you….

As we step into a new week, I lift you up in prayer and claim God’s promise in 2 Cor.12:9 for you and for your family. As you face the trials of today and this week, Do Not Trust your Fear. Do not Trust your Panic. They are your enemies. Their goal is to make you believe that God’s grace is Not enough for you. God has already planned and provided for everything you need to overcome today. And what you need for tomorrow and the rest of the week shall be given to you then as well. May God, give you the grace to let go of fear, doubt and confusion! May He give you the grace to push forward in peace and confidence! May God, give you the grace to trust in His grace one day at a time, one experience at a time. Amen!