Lk 14:1, 7-11
1On a sabbath [Jesus] went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
7He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.8“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, 9and 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.10Rather, 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. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
The people there were observing him carefully. It is strange how popularity never enters the head of Jesus. His ego does not get the better of him. He does not know the word pride.
A film director we knew advised us when we had a project with her, “Always leave your ego at the doorstep!” A couple leave their egos at the church door on their wedding day; students let go of their egos when they come to class to learn. Children have no egos and trust their parents completely. How great it would be if, at the Lord’s Prayer, we could let go of our egos as we pray, “Your will be done!”
Jesus can do this because his trust on the Father and his love for the people are always bigger than his self. Recognize the reality far bigger and far wiser than yourself, who is God, and you will have no need for an inflated ego.
A bullfrog, wanting to impress the other frogs around him, took in a lot of air to inflate his chest and look big. While every frog was clapping, he burst into pieces.
Volunteer to clean the table and wash the plates after dinner!