Daily Gospel Reflection for October 30, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus is dining at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. The first verse notes that those in attendance were observing Jesus carefully. Jesus, it turns out, was observing them with just as much care. Jesus points out to all those present the importance of choosing one’s seat at table well. Choose too high a place of honor and risk being asked to step aside for someone of greater importance than you. Choose a more lowly seat and risk being left there, but with the possible reward for your humility of being raised to a more advantageous placement.

All this talk about seating arrangements makes me wonder where at this particular table Jesus was seated. Did the Pharisee hosting the event give Jesus the place of highest honor? Was Jesus preaching to this socially elite crowd from the furthest seat? Or was He somewhere in the middle, not the most exalted guest but not the least either?

When we consider the seating arrangements of our own hearts, where have we placed Jesus? Have we placed Him close to our elbow, ready to listen to every word He has to say, allowing Him to hear all we say and observe all we do? Is Jesus at the furthest end of the table? He has been invited, but isn’t exactly someone we planned to spend much time with besides the customary pleasantries at the start and end of the meal. Is He somewhere in the middle, able to be called upon when we desire to hear His opinion but far enough away to be forgotten when convenient?

Jesus is waiting for the place of honor at your table, all He needs is your invitation to sit in His rightful place in your heart.

Ponder:

What is one way you can elevate Jesus' seat at the table of your heart this week?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, please gently show me where I have placed You in my heart. Help me to recognize Your true place at my side and inspire me to hold You close in all things.