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.”
PLACE OF HONOR: In the Mediterranean culture which gives importance to “honor,” people are taught to stay behind their rightful status, which will allow the host to invite one to take a higher or a more noble position. This “cultural humility” is expected of an honorable person (cf Prv 25:6-7).
Another cultural value is reciprocity. People do not say “Thank you!” because the answer to a favor done is “Pay me back!” A guest is obligated to play host in return. Thus, it is not uncommon for guests to decline an invitation, especially if they realize that returning the favor would be beyond their capacity. When a host draws up a list of the guests, he will invite friends and family who can afford to invite him in return. To invite people who cannot return the favor would be to dishonor one’s social status. One associates with one’s own kind.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ injunction on choosing the lower place is not about proper behavior. He is speaking about the right attitude demanded by the kingdom of God: the humble will be exalted while the proud will be humbled. True honor will not come through one’s self-serving actions. It is bestowed by God who knows the thoughts of the human heart.
Jesus’ advice to his host to invite those unable to return the invitation is shocking. But Jesus is telling his audience that, again, true honor does not come from the recognition of one’s friends or family members. True honor is bestowed by God who will repay the host in lieu of the poor and the handicapped whose side God has taken.