Trinity11 (year C proper 17)- Luke 14:1, 7-14

The readings for this Eleventh Sunday after Trinity are filled with valuable practical advice. The selections from Ecclesiasticus 10:7-18, Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-17, and Luke 14:1,7-14 emphasize the importance of good conduct.  Of all the readings, however, the Gospel from Luke 14 is distinctive because its intent is more spiritual than moral. Through His parable of guests invited to a feast, our Lord emphasizes the importance of humility. And although the example is from a social context, the main point is not moral but theological and spiritual.

In Luke 14:7-14, the parable of the feast is about the kingdom of God. It emphasizes reverence and humility before God. We must never presume too much for ourselves. We are lowly guests who depend upon the graciousness of our divine host, and there may be many other guests who will receive as much or more honor than we do. We should always come into God's presence accepting our lowliness. And if God should choose to invite us higher, then we should be grateful. Such an attitude should be at the heart of Christian worship and Christian living!

Trinity 10 (year C proper 16)- Luke 13:22-30

 The Gospel for this Tenth Sunday after Trinity is from Luke 13:22-30. As Jesus begins His final trip toward Jerusalem, where He will face rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection, someone asks Him whether many or few will be saved. Instead of commenting on human speculations about the number of those who will be saved, our Lord tells a parable about being invited to a feast or banquet. 

In the parable, a gracious homeowner has invited people to a feast. Each person invited must respond appropriately. An appropriate response includes getting ready, arriving on time, and entering through the designated door to be greeted personally by the host. The host is generous, but he expects the guests to respond appreciatively and make some effort. So it is with the kingdom of God. Many receive a gracious divine invitation. but God expects a suitable response. Those invited must accept the invitation and enter when and how He indicates. Procrastination can be dangerous. Failing to prepare and follow instructions may lead to a sorrowful exclusion from the heavenly feast.

With this parable, Christ warns people to take the invitation to feast in God's presence seriously. The divine host sets the conditions for entering the heavenly kingdom, and the human guests need to respond in appropriate ways. The invitation of the Holy One must not be taken for granted; it must be respected and the host's expectations must be accepted in humble gratitude.