Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Reflection Comedian Jim Gaffigan explains weddings in a way that I love. He says “Weddings are kind of weird. I mean what’s the logic?” He goes on to speak in a voice like someone making a royal proclamation: “Well we love each other, why don’t we pretend we have a kingdom? We’ll invite your parents’ friends and my parents’ friends and we’ll have a banquet. And the two kingdoms shall come together as one.” Gaffigan goes on to crack wise about the awkwardness of showing up late to the bridal registry and only finding a $300 fork remaining on the bride and groom’s wish list. “We’ll be the fork friends. Great.” In Luke 14, Jesus talks about inviting people to your biggest, fanciest party who can do nothing to repay you. The banquet that Jesus is describing isn’t about impressing people. It isn’t about the fanciest clothes and the most uncomfortable shoes. (The shoes. Lord, have mercy.) It’s about reaching out to people who need care. It’s about making sure that everyone has a place at the table. It’s about removing the gift table altogether and setting up another table for guests instead. Because no gifts are required. And absolutely everyone is welcome. No exceptions. No special cases. No need to be on an approved list or give your invitation as proof that you’re allowed in the door. Come on in; you’re part of this kingdom. Every week, I offer this invitation for communion, and I think it sums up how Jesus invites us to the banquet: The table is set. This is the table not of the church, but of the Lord, and this feast that we celebrate is for you. You who have much faith and you who have little. You who have been here often and you who have not been here in a long time. You who have tried to follow Jesus and you who have failed. So come not because I invite you, but because Christ invites you, for here is Christ coming to you in bread and wine. For these are the gifts of God given for all of you, the dearly loved people of God. Come, this feast is ready. --Sarah Hershberger Prayer Gracious God, thank you for inviting us into your love. Thank you for teaching us how to care for others through your Son. Thank you for guiding us with your grace every day. Amen.
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