Most people love “a good meal.”
I get it, I realize that we are all very different. But it has been said, THAT IT IS FOOD that sometimes “brings people TOGETHER.” I get that, too!
There is nothing as fun as gathering with friends or family around a table and catching up on the day’s happenings or the time since you last gathered together.
Unfortunately it happens to be one of those things that happens less and less, today.
People are just SO BUSY, with their “ACTIVITY CARDS” filled to the brim and sometimes “running over” from morning to late at night, that there isn’t time available for everyone sitting down together AS ONE.
Life today can pull us all into multiple directions at one time…
I love it when GOOD stories or jokes are shared around the table and they are enjoyed by everyone.
A little laughter is GOOD for the soul…and for mental health, as well, it is usually a much needed RELEASE.
So, what is YOUR favorite FOOD? Your favorite DISH, as it were?
You know this is something that we share in common with Jesus. He loved a good meal. He seemingly loved every opportunity to sit down at table with family and friends or even brand new acquaintances…
It was a time to catch up with the activities of the day, share the current news, as well as just “a respite” from the busyness of life, in general. Fortunately for Jesus and his friends they DID NOT have to worry about texting at the table or people playing constantly on their phones…
Jesus apparently loved the gatherings around a common table; at least, that’s what we are led to believe in the Gospel of Luke.
This was one of the primary distinctions between Jesus and his “ascetic mentor and cousin,” John the Baptizer.
Jesus NEVER denied the charge that he enjoyed “more than his share of wine at many meals.” And as for food, well, he was referred to as being a GLUTTON.
In our gospel account for today, Jesus is at a banquet and tells a “parable” about “the meal setting,” which is followed up by another story about “another banquet.”
He seemingly CANNOT get enough of what happens surrounding meals. It was important time spent, even if “they were” “watching him.”
That, the Pharisees were watching him closely, should NOT surprise any of us. I can assure you that Jesus was under CONSTANT SCRUTINY on all sides. People were CONSTANTLY watching his every movement. So we should NOT be surprised by the Pharisees.
But in this case, he is not just being “watched out of curiosity,” there is ill intent, a foot. They are trying to TRAP Jesus, either in some “activity” like healing on the SABBATH or “something inappropriate” he might say.
“Poor guy,” you have to feel for him. Even a simple common meal or a banquet can be stressful time, when someone is constantly “out to get you…”
But as we know, Jesus can hold his own…no matter what the circumstances.
His take on everything that happens around him is that people just need to be more humble.
Less vain… More meekness… More modesty… Less self-importance…
For Jesus, humility is a positive trait that is beneficial in leadership and helpful in social settings.
Is there anyone that really likes braggarts and blow-hearts and people who constantly tell you how great they are or the contributions they have made?
There is much to be said, for not thinking too highly of yourself. And at the same time we are not talking about being deferential, submissive, self-effacing and being un-assertive.
No one wants to be a doormat to be trampled upon…
And yet do we have to be pretentious or ostentatious?
Do we really get anything out of demean, belittling, degrading or debasing anyone?
Try telling me that you look good, by bringing someone else down?
Jesus says a little bit of humility and humble-ness goes A LONG WAY.
My grandmother used to say: self importance stinks, and as for me, I am sticking with Jesus and grandma.
Amen.