Humbled – Luke 14:1, 7-11 Reflection
Years ago, when I led presentations in numerous business situations, I acted distinguished. I would go straight to the host, expecting to sit near them. For almost a decade, this continued as humility was not at the top of my mind. That changed when grace suddenly humbled me and continues through today. I now prefer a position of being very approachable. I presume God is placing me where I am supposed to be. With my ah-ha moment over thirty years ago, I am still amazed when I observe grace influencing people’s behavior. Like water taking the shape of a container, grace produces changes, such as people unexpectedly humbled in conversations.
The Exhortation to the Apostles by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 14:1, 7-11 – Scripture*
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
Humility and Hospitality
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 14:1, 7-11 Reflection – Humbled.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 14 Bible passage.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 14 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Page and discussion group for these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.