Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: PHIL 2:5-11; PS 22:26B-27, 28-30AB, 30E, 31-32; LK 14:15-24
Summary
Ever read a list of false apologies? I put a screen shot of a meme on the post so you can get a chuckle out of it. Jesus addresses three false apologies.
Jesus speaks to the more serious variety of false apologies: discounted relationship. In the gospel portion, two said “I ask you, consider me excused” and another “I cannot come.” Interesting. Perhaps if this was simply a business relationship – a relationship of transactions not of persons – I could understand. But the story is about man’s relationship with God.
- I have purchased a field and must go to examine it.
- I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them.
- I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.
Three excuses: Money, money and my honey.
An old priest friend of mine used to say, “There are three problems in this life: money, honey and funny.”
But the Master is not to be denied and yet also he always wanted everyone to come anyway. One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”
Blessed is the one. The person. You.
Reflection
Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.
The LORD wanted to give favored treatment for those who ‘know’ and ‘serve’ him. But the invitation reveals the disinterest. For them, God is less than money, money and honey. Who made it possible for you to have a field to grow crops, oxen to plow your fields and a woman to be your life-mate? The one who invited you to the banquet.
Which brings to mind the old axiom: it is the GIFT GIVER that is more important than the GIFT ITSELF. In this context the gift giver is the gift as well.
Boy, we really get things upside down!
Personal Reflection
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The best invitation ever!
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110524.cfm
First Reading
Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and, found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Responsorial
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
Gospel Acclamation (see MT 11:28)
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel
One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry