Introduction: Red-Carpet or Back-Seat Discipleship

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus observes the customs of courtesy and etiquette at first-century dinners and ties these issues of daily protocol to a lesson about the Kingdom of God. Only Luke contains this passage for it highlights Luke’s continuing theme throughout his Gospel: the shocking reversal of expectations and status for those who are invited  (challenged?) to live Jesus’ counter-cultural Way. 

Meals played an important role in the society in which Jesus lived. More than a time for sharing nourishment, they were a time to share ideas and to be “seen” in the public eye. Practically, the “seating charts” were set up to emphasize the high status of some (the rich, famous, and connected) and the lower status of others (the marginalized). 

In this story, Jesus notices a stream of guests jockeying for the choice spot closest to the dinner host while avoiding anything too far from the host. However, in the Mediterranean world, an honor-shame culture, the social gaffe of overstepping one’s station – such as Jesus describes – would have been a mortifying experience. On the other hand, being asked to come higher would have been particularly enviable – for everyone would have noticed that the host considered you “worthy.”

This passage contains practical advice for how to live. You and I live in a society that has many honor lists, where positions of importance can be sought and cherished. This social system is at variance with Jesus’ unique Way. At times, we can be shocked at the lengths people go in order to be honored. Taking a “back-seat” is certainly counter-cultural!

Are you a “red-carpet” or “back-seat” disciple? Do you at times “take a step back?” Does your daily living exhibit the value of humility?

However, the lesson in this Gospel goes beyond calculating a social standing among one’s peers and points to our proper/humble disposition before God, our Creator. Here Luke equates self-inflation with spiritual righteousness. “Those who assume that they are righteous enough to let themselves into the Kingdom without any regard for the divine initiative will have to give way to those who know their unworthiness and depend on God’s love and grace for everything.” Collegeville Bible Commentary.

This Sunday’s Gospel is an invitation to remember where we stand. Where do you “stand” with God?

Jesus then turns the lesson to the host. Who are being invited to his dinner? Who is on his “guest list?’ Just his friends? His relatives? His wealthy and “social-connected” acquaintances? Rather “when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” who are unable “to repay you.” 

Who is not on your “guest list?” Who is not there at your meals, social gatherings, family reunions? Who is “in” and who is “out” in your daily life?

And more importantly - 

Who is not at our Sunday (weekday) Masses? Who is missing from our communion table? Why?

I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Luke 14:1, 7-14.

What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

Sabbath meals are supposed to anticipate the Eternal Communion/Festive Dinner of God. Yet Jesus points out how this meal fails. For it reflects  pride rather than humility and exclusivity rather than a welcoming openness. Are you a welcoming and inclusive person and disciple?

Ponder: In Luke 2:7, we are told that when Jesus entered our world, “there was no place for him.” So, he took his place among the poor and lowly. This was humility.  He took a “back-seat!”

There is always someone more distinguished than me! Can I rely on the voice of God to assure me of my dignity and self-worth?

Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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