22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.

Lk 14: 1. 7-14

v. 1 - On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

Many times Luke makes use of a meal as a setting for Jesus to make a point, to teach a lesson. He addresses the Pharisees who Luke considers to be representatives of Israel’s thought.

Luke alone among the Evangelists shows the Pharisees to not be entirely adversarial toward Jesus. They invite him to dinner (11:37) and even warn him about Herod (13:31). Luke’s attitude was probably influenced by Paul who was proud to identify him as a Pharisee (Phil 3:5; Acts 23:6; 26:5). His portrayal of the Pharisees vis-à-vis Jesus was probably closer to the truth.

v. 7 - He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.

Jesus also criticized the scribes for this kind of behavior (20:40).
At first glance Jesus seems to be giving a lesson on how to behave in polite society as we also see in Prov 25:6-7. Instead, it is a lesson opposed to preoccupation on rank found in Jewish society.

v. 9 - and 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.

He has to take the lowest place because all the other seats have been taken.

v. 11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who hum-bles himself will be exalted.

We find the same declaration in Ez 21:31.

Jesus condemns the proud security and certainty of the Pharisees (16:15; 18:14).

v. 13 - Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

Luke gives special attention to the poor (those without the goods of the earth), the humble and the little ones. He invites compassion for them.

He declares the poor blessed (6:20) in contrast to Matthew who adds “in spirit” (poor in spirit, Mt 5:3) for they are the anawim who rely on the goodness of God.

v. 14 - blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Jesus makes a promise of a reward for those who are altruistic, for those who show disinterested goodness, for those who provide loving service to the needy and helpless.