Gospel Reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 28th – Please be seated….

If we go to the cinema or theatre, we are often asked if want VIP or premier seats and if we do want to sit in the most comfortable seats, it will cost us extra. Wealthy people, those who consider themselves to be celebrities and famous never sit at the back. They always sit where they will be seen, heard and noticed.

In our gospel this Sunday, Jesus very clearly warns us about this attitude of self –importance. Being a follower of Jesus is not about power, prestige or demanding the best seats in the house (or the church). In God eyes, we are all invited to the table of the Lord as equals. None of us can really demand the best seat, as if such a thing exists or to expect special treatment; we all come before God just as we are.

When we gather around the table of the Lord, it is not only as invited guests, but as the family of God, as brothers and sisters of Jesus and as each other’s brother and sister. Being a follower of Jesus is about humility. This is not be confused with weakness or meekness. Humility speaks of an inner quality of recognizing and appreciating who we are, the place of God in our lives and our relationship to other people.

Jesus uses the symbol of the meal to teach something about the true ‘place of honour’ at his ‘wedding banquet.’ This place of honour is not reserved for the select few. We are all invited to sit at the table with Jesus as his honoured guests. We are also called to live and as act as Jesus. He is our host who gently calls us to deepen our friendship with him and each other. Every time we accept his most generous invitation, he seats us at his ‘place of honour.’ How blessed and honoured we are! To be follower of Jesus is to try our best to live like him. He came to serve not to be served. To be a disciple of Jesus is put others first and serve them.

Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are not only fed and nourished ourselves, we are also called to share the richness of God’s life by reaching out to others, especially those in need. We sit at the table with Jesus so we can be generous and gracious to others. This week, whose needs can I put before my own? Who can I serve this week?

• Michael Moore OMI