Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

Be Exalted By Your Guests

~ Rev. Jordan J. Kelly, O.P.

Chaplain to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters at the Convent of Divine Love + Philadelphia, Pa.

Today’s Gospel sets before us the reality of Jesus’ mission, and how we continue that same mission. As we begin to read from Chapter 14, we encounter the continuation of the last week’s teaching from Chapter 13, … “people will come from the east and west…the last will be first, and some who are first will be last.” Couple these verses with the beginning of today’s Gospel and the intent of Christ is clear, everyone, sinner and the virtuous. This theme of inclusion is particular to Luke’s Gospel beginning the wisdom discourse, which we hear in part in verses 7 – 14.

The first lesson Luke presents to his hearers appears in verse 1: Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees… Jesus’ action raises the question, should Jesus, and therefore his disciples, associate with those who are unclean? YES! In classic Lucan style, Jesus’ response is set in the context of meal fellowship – meal fellowship through which Jesus reveals the desire of his heart that all be invited, as well as, how we are to act when we are invited and come to Christ’s table.

Earlier in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus spoke to us through the imperative mood. Today, he speaks to us somewhat tongue in cheek. His reference to choosing a place of honor when we are invited to a banquet reveals the condition of our hearts. Our pride distorts our vision. We miss the heart of being a disciple. Jesus makes clear that those deserving honor are not the proud, but the marginalized of his society and ours.

Jesus’ parting words make clear: to enter his kingdom in the resurrection on the last day, care for those the world will forget or reject in this life.

Reflecting on Humility



~ Stan Sienkiewicz + Saint Albert the Great, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Jesus’ warning against taking the place of honor lest we be asked to move to a lower one, initially unsettled me.  He adds, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  The first reading from Sirach also spoke about humility. While it offered a deeper insight, the word itself bothered me. 

The dictionary defines humility as “freedom from pride or arrogance.”  Well, that seems different from how humility is often viewed.  Too frequently, being humble or meek is seen as weakness; I’ve probably shared that view myself. 

Yet, Jesus says, “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).  If Christ himself identifies with meekness and humility, how could those traits be anything but noble? 

Another Scripture passage helped me better understand the Gospel’s message. Saint Paul asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).  How often have I been reminded that my talents and gifts come from God?  Taking the highest seat, then, assumes I earned my place myself, when in truth everything I have has been given to me by the Father. 

Finally, I turned to prayer as it often brings clarity.  I recalled these words from the Consecration to Saint Joseph by Saint Peter Julian Eymard: 

For me, everything lies in that self-abnegation like our Lord in His hidden life, making the world forget me by my silence and my practice of virtue.  I consecrate myself to you as my guide and model in all my duties so that I may learn to fulfill them with meekness and humility: with meekness toward my brethren, my neighbor, and all with whom I come in contact; with humility toward myself and simplicity before God.

This prayer brought everything together for me.  True humility isn’t about shrinking back.  It’s about seeing clearly who we are, who God is, and where our place is in relation to Him.