Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 1, 2019): SIR 3:17-18,20,28-29; PS 68:4-5,6-7,10-11; HEB 12:18-19,22-24; LK 14:1,7-14
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
In the Gospel reading, we hear Jesus tell a parable while dining at the home of a leading Pharisee.
In it, He addresses what were probably common behaviors of the time for both hosts and guests. And clearly these behaviors, and the attitudes behind them, are not unfamiliar to us today. First, Christ reminds guests that they should not push themselves forward in order to be noticed by others. Then He goes on to speak to His host and to all who invite others into their homes. Instead of welcoming people who can do something for them, whether giving a reciprocal invitation or being a useful contact or providing some other benefit, Jesus offers a new way of thinking. “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14).
Our Lord expects us to see people the way He does, not judging them based on their social position or how they can assist us in some way. Instead, we are called to recognize others as God’s sons and daughters – and our own brothers and sisters in Him. Too often we see the world as being made up of them and us. But God sees each of us as His own precious children and He calls on us to have the same viewpoint. The more we are attuned to the mind and heart of our Lord, the more we will reflect His love for others and the more we will do our part in building His Kingdom. We will, indeed, be following in the way of Christ Himself.