In Luke 14, Jesus goes to a dinner event where other guests are jockeying for position. Jesus heals a diseased man there, which creates a stir. Jesus notices how people observe a pecking order — some get positions of honor at the table while others are relegated to lower spots. Jesus tells the people a story about choosing to be in the lower spots instead.
It’s a tricky thing, however. If I try to sit at the lower spot because I think I’ll get “moved up” the pecking order, is that any better? Or is Jesus trying to get us to see that before God, there is NO pecking order? God sees us as we are, not as we compare to others. God does not “grade” on a curve.
I think the effect is that Jesus has come to the lowest spot, to the place where humble, hurting, regular people who know they are dealing with sin and shortcomings, can be found. Jesus comes in solidarity and calls us to a new vision of God’s table that is based on that solidarity rather than a pecking order. How does that sit with you?
People of St. Timothy, I appreciate all the ways you gather at tables, ready to serve and ready to welcome others. I regularly see Christ’s presence in your actions. Thank you.
Three Holy Days
In our tradition, we make space on Maundy Thursday to remember central parts of our faith story. We hear about the...
