Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
"When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
'Give your place to this man,'
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
'My friend, move up to a higher position.'
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection

This unusual passage is Jesus giving advice so the Pharisees can be, in a sense, more esteemed.

He plays on the reality that these men were living for esteem. They had to be seen as someone important, someone more important than others. And so He gives this simple advice that will help them not lose that esteem. And what He’s really trying to do is to say to them, pay attention to who you are, what motivates you?

It's a great question. What does motivate our hearts, and our minds, and our will? What is it that we're trying to accomplish? Is it about me and my importance, or is about others and their value?

Closing Prayer

Father, our human nature is something that you've given to us, and in that nature we see things that we're drawn to that are not fully in sync with your kingdom, and we know that we should change and it's very difficult. So bless us with the grace, the power to see ourselves clearly and to choose a way of life that will bring something wonderful to us and to those around us. Help us to build your kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross