You will be Repaid – Luke 14:12-14 Reflection
Inviting strangers into our homes for a meal is a tough decision. The concern for the inherent dangers associated with our families often outweighs doing so. However, there are alternatives to inviting others to a meal. Spiritually, you can consider daily prayer a meal with the Lord, so in your thoughts, you can invite strangers to the banquet. More physically, you can also become involved with a ministry focused on helping others. For instance, what about collecting food at your church and providing it to your local food pantry? Many local food pantries welcome receiving non-perishable groceries. The beauty of inviting others, even if unknown to your table, in whatever way you can, is that you will be repaid far more than you can imagine.
The Meal in the House of the Pharisee by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 14:12-14 – Scripture*
12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 14:12-14 Reflection – You will be Repaid.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this 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 worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has 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.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.