Gospel Meditations

Choosing the Low Place

The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C brings us a strong message about humility. Jesus reminds us not to seek praise or high places. Instead, he shows us that real honor comes when we let go of pride. Those who lift themselves up will be brought down, but those who stay low will be raised up by God.

The readings today all point to the same idea. Sirach tells us to be gentle and humble. Hebrews reminds us that we are part of something bigger than we can see. And in the Gospel, Jesus teaches that when we welcome the poor, the sick, and the outcast, we welcome blessings that will last forever.

Summary:

Jesus is dining at the home of a Pharisee and notices how guests choose places of honor at the table. He uses this moment to teach a parable about humility: Lesson on Seating: Jesus advises guests to choose the lowest place rather than the highest. If the host invites you to move up, you’ll be honored in front of others. But if you’re asked to move down, you’ll be humbled. Lesson on Hospitality: He tells the host not to invite friends, relatives, or wealthy neighbors who can repay the favor. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—those who cannot repay you. In doing so, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

This is the essence of Christian stewardship: giving without expecting anything in return, serving with a humble heart, and recognizing that all we have is a gift from God.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11  

 https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship