Daily Gospel Reflection for October 29, 2016

Today's Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-11

Last month I attended someone’s 90th birthday party. When I arrived, I realized that I didn’t know anyone except the birthday “boy” and his wife. So I went over and said hello, and asked if I could sit with them at their table. They graciously accepted, and when it came time to get the food, I got up with everyone else, got my food, and went back to sit down. A minute or so after I sat down and started eating, someone walked up behind me, tapped me on the shoulder, and said “I know you probably don’t know better, youngster, but you might not want to sit there- my mom and dad haven’t sat apart at the dinner table since before they were married.” I sheepishly picked up my plate and moved one seat down, and it hit me- I was sitting at the family table…

Had I read the Gospel for today, maybe I would have avoided that embarrassing incident!

Today’s Gospel shows Jesus at a dinner party at the house of a Pharisee, and he noticed that the guests were jockeying for the best seat at the table. Being a Master Teacher, he told a parable warning the guests not just about where they should sit at a table, but how humility is an integral part of being a holy person. Yes, we are all children of God, and yes, we are all made in God’s image and likeness, but there’s a big difference between walking around knowing that you’re one of God’s children and walking around acting like you’re God!

So the next time you find yourself feeling pretty high and mighty, take a step back and remember who you are and WHOSE you are, and you’ll be that much closer to holiness!

Ponder:

What are some ways that you can practice humility in your daily life?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help me to remember who I am, and whose I am. Help me to be humble, and in so doing to be holy.

Copyright 2016 Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson brings a unique style to his ministry, having been formed by the Carmelites, the Salesians, and having been steeped in Black Catholic Spirituality and Tradition. He is the Director of Confirmation and Youth Ministries at St. Bernard Church in Bellflower, CA, and writes for ProjectYM as a Featured Contributor. He can be reached at janderson@stbernardym.org.