The Gospel of Luke, chapter 14:11

Today’s gospel story from Luke, chapter 14, is concerned with a humble attitude, or more precisely, the need to avoid an attitude of superiority among the followers of Christ. Jesus makes it abundantly clear there are no outsiders in His Kingdom. He sets a new standard in human relationships and challenges people, whenever they give a “lunch or dinner” to invite every kind of person to the reception no matter what their class or social distinction. What could be more forthright and challenging than the following statement of Jesus: “Whenever you have a reception, invite beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind. You should be pleased that they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just.” (Luke-14:13-14)

A Christian community should be an amalgam of every social class, not a club for the élite of this world. How wonderful to see a community made up of different ethnic groups; different classes of people; people of different talents, gifts and distinction, working together towards the same goal; namely, the building up of the body of Christ.

The key that unlocks such wonderful possibilities within the community of the church is humility. The Old Testament also extols the virtue of humility as the necessary attitude to eradicate human prejudice. Humility, as theologians are quick to point out, is not to be confused with lack of confidence or lack of self-esteem. Humility is the truth. The kind of truth that enables us to see ourselves as we really are, without putting on airs, without prejudice. The kind of truth that leads to an appreciation of other people’s talents and gifts and that is not afraid to affirm those who possess such qualities. In a Christian community there is no room for pride or jealousy, because there is too much to be done and so much to be grateful for.

Let us rejoice in the wonderful diversity of Christ’s followers. In the spirit of humility, let us strive to build up the Church rather than tear it down. In the spirit of today’s Gospel, let us reach out to those who are weak, different, or new, knowing that if we do this we will be repaid in the resurrection of the just.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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