“Then the owner of the house, in a rage, told his slave, ‘Quick, go out into the streets and alleys of the city; and bring in the poor, the disfigured, the blind and the crippled!’ 22 The slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ 23 The master said to the slave, ‘Go out to the country roads and boundary walls, and insistently persuade people to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet!’”
Saint Martin de Porres, Religious (Optional Memorial)Go out to the highways and hedgerows … that my home may be filled. (Luke 14:23)
A run-of-the-mill reading of Jesus’ parable from today’s Gospel might sound something like this:
“A host crafted an exquisite meal for his guests. But on the day of the feast, one by one, they excused themselves from dining with him. Enraged, he decided to teach them a lesson by filling their spots with society’s least desirables.”
Do you notice how this reading tends to focus on the original invitees who backed out and on the host’s retaliatory response? Now, let’s try it again, except with a different emphasis.
“One by one, they began excusing themselves. Then, in a passionate outburst, the host did something unexpected. He widened his net of welcome, cast it out into the fringes of society, and brought in many who needed a warm smile and a hot meal.”
This new emphasis might leave us a bit perplexed at the host’s reaction—and amazed at his generosity! He could have cancelled the banquet. Or he could have personally given an earful to those who backed out of their invitations. But he began performing acts of mercy instead.
It may seem like a stretch, but keep in mind the familiar story in Luke’s next chapter. In that parable, a man who is scorned by his youngest son ends up running to him with open arms. We call that parable “The Prodigal Son,” but perhaps we should call it “The Merciful Father.”
Looked at in this light, today’s Gospel gives us moving insight into the mercy that God has for his people. When he is spurned by unbelief, he doesn’t fight back with vengeance, but with love. He rolls up his sleeves and casts his nets deeper and wider to find people who will recognize his generosity for what it is and receive it with eager grateful hearts.
It’s hard to keep resisting God’s mercy! Especially when we least deserve it, it flows all the more intensely. So why resist? God wants to forgive you for all your sins, the big ones just as much as the small ones. He is always reaching out, always offering his mercy. So answer his invitation. That’s exactly what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is for!
“Lord, I am in awe of your mercy. Come, Jesus, and set me free!” Amen!
Romans 12:5 so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others. 6 But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; 7 if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching; 8 if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.
9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited.
Psalm 131: (0) A song of ascents. By David:
(1) Adonai, my heart isn’t proud;
I don’t set my sight too high,
I don’t take part in great affairs
or in wonders far beyond me.
2 No, I keep myself calm and quiet,
like a little child on its mother’s lap —
I keep myself like a little child.
3 Isra’el, put your hope in Adonai
from now on and forever!
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