Jesus is invited to one of the leading Pharisees home for dinner.  He notices that the Pharisees were “choosing places of honor at the table.”  Here, the hearts of the Pharisees are revealed.  They are distracted with outward appearances and are anxious for them, while they are silent on matters of mercy, like the healing of the man with dropsy.

Jesus warns that the honors of the world will be reserved: “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  These words of Jesus echo the Virgin Mary in her Magnificat.

Throughout the gospel the words of Jesus and Mary re-echo: “worldly climbing will only lead to a fall, whereas those who take the status of servant and love their neighbor with humility will be exalted.”  The expectations of the world are turned upside down in Jesus’ Kingdom way.

Although there is no indication that those coveting places of honor at the particular dinner were disciples of Jesus, Jesus’ words in verses 8-11 are addressed to disciples as well.  They argued over who was the most important; they were slow to imitate Jesus’ example of humility and service. Verses 12 to 14 sound a familiar theme: our possessions are to be used to help those in need.  We are to assist those who have no way of repaying us now, and we will be repaid at the resurrection.  Once again, it is what we give away that we really own.  Verses 11 and 14 teach us that the imitation of Christ is the way to true happiness.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell