Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 4, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo

Scripture Text: Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s gospel, Jesus uses a parable about seating at a banquet to teach about pride and humility. We know that Jesus uses the “wedding banquet” to refer to the heavenly kingdom. The host, in this instance, is the LORD. We are reminded by Jesus’ words, that our ways, our human ways, are not the way of the LORD. Whereas we on earth exalt the rich and accomplished, the LORD exalts the lowly, the vulnerable, the servant. We are reminded of Jesus himself at the Last Supper, rather than taking the place of honor, took a towel and tied it around his waist and then began to wash the feet of his disciples (John 13).

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I prideful? Do I seek prestige? Do I seek to grow in humility and to love?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You lifting our voices in praise for all You are in thanksgiving for all that is because of You and your love. We seek your loving grace to purify our desires so that our minds and hearts are set on union with You rather than on prestige in this world. Grant that we may seek to use our days and our journey to come to know You and your will for us, to serve You and our sisters and brothers in your name, and to love You with our whole strength and our sisters and brothers as your children. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.