Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 - St. Charles Borromeo
[Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 14:15-24]One of those at table with Jesus said to him, "Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God."
Recently some friends told me of going to a social event where only about half those invited showed up! They felt badly for the host. Jesus' response to the comment of his table companion is a parable about a man who gave a great dinner and all those whom he invited sent excuses for not coming. In the Middle East it might be possible to point out that the acceptance of such an invitation created a reciprocal duty! Some of those invited may have felt they could not afford to return the favor, etc.etc. Three different excuses (not unlike excuses we might give or invent) are offered! If we want to accept the invitation to dine in the kingdom, yes, we will accept a corresponding responsibility, but not so much to return the favor to God, but rather to imitate God. In the gospel for yesterday, Jesus points out that the reason for giving a dinner party should NOT be so that a reciprocal responsibility is created to return the favor. (e.g. I've always wanted to get him/her in my debt, or now they have to invite me to THEIR home, which I've always wanted to see!). The reason should be a matter of generosity toward those who are unable to repay. The challenge is to a "disinterested" generosity. The invitation is a standing one from God. What are our excuses? AMEN
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