Food For The Soul

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “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, 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. 

Rather, 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. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:1, 7-11)

Where do we sit?  Do we prefer to sit in the place of honor at Jesus’ table? Do we deserve that place?  More importantly, where is his table?  It’s likely found in food kitchens and in the homes of the poor.

Can he be found at the table of the Lord – the altar?  Of course, but he would rather be found elsewhere, such at the tables set in our hearts where he would sit and insist we must humble ourselves.  

His table is very long with many chairs.  Let’s make sure we remember to sit at the lowest place.  Better yet, we should be in the kitchen with Jesus preparing the food we call love, compassion, and forgiveness.  That’s food for the soul.

Deacon David Pierce