In today’s world where rat race is the name of the game, people rush for the limelight of honor and recognition. Money, fame and power are glittering like gold or diamond irresistible to the vain desire of human greed, pride and ambition. Some people push word hard for their self-vested agenda to be recognized and adapted in their organization’s project resolutions and plans of action be it civil or church.
How wisely different are Jesus’ ways compared to our own. He said, “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 the lowest place. 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.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; “blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 8-14).
The message of the gospel is about the right conduct towards God. Humility leads us to Jesus who is meek and humble of heart. A humble person sees what’s good and the bad in people. A humble person is peaceful, doesn’t ask for special preference and can blend well with people. God rewards the humble with honor while the arrogant suffers disgrace.
The proud who think better than the rest, or the rich who give priority to their wealth over God are derailed from the right way towards Heaven.
The story about the wedding banquet is also about search for Jesus. He is in the company of the poor and the underprivileged. He gives them being deprived of social benefits and privileges by the greedy and powerful people.
We experience deep intimacy with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. We feel humbled by the mercy of God. Let’s be grateful to his invitation to His sacred banquet despite our unworthiness.
Someone said that a beautiful heart can bring things into your life that all the money in the world couldn’t obtain. If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. Use your voice for kindness and your hands for compassion. Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path. Don’t wait for things to get better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now, otherwise you’ll run out of time. When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow. Be strong but not rude and be proud but not arrogant. Strong people forgive and intelligent people ignore for learning to ignore is one of the great paths to inner peace. e. Storms make the trees take deeper roots. One kind word can change someone’s entire day. You are the author of your life, if you don’t like how it goes, write it differently. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me.”. (Diary 1059). Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m, daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.