Often when
we hear the words of Christ addressed to the people of his day we are tempted
to think, “well, of course, we know that” but we have to keep in mind that we
have lived all our lives knowing what Christ expects of us but his audiences
had never heard these concepts before.
And so it is with (LK 14:1, 7-14) as Jesus spoke to the rich and powerful who lorded it over anyone who
was poor or disabled, thinking themselves especially blessed to be who they
were and gave no thought to others. But
in every gospel we read no matter what the circumstances or to whom the words
are addressed there are always, I repeat, always words directed to us! In this reading they are: “Those who exalt
themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be
exalted”.
There is no harm in being grateful
for blessings and to enjoy comforts, etc. The trouble comes when we begin to
think we deserve them! What
Christ asks of us is the humility to know that great blessing comes with great
responsibility. In most churches the
outreach in every area is proof that congregations takes that
seriously. Still, we have an obligation
to spread that concept beyond the church doors, to our family, our co-workers,
our friends; gently, without reproach, but firmly and with conviction. Sometimes I catch myself thinking it would so great to go back
in time and be a disciple of Jesus and then I think; “Wait, I am a disciple of
Jesus!”
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