Today's gospel sees Jesus at a meal—in Palestinian culture, going for a meal, especially as an invited guest, was not just about eating and drinking. Jesus, at the table of this Pharisee, is enjoying friendship, care, and trust. It shows that Jesus is not prejudiced and will accept invitations from rich and poor alike—from very public sinners and the religious elite. He is able to enjoy the table fellowship that was such a central part of his ministry. At the moment I am researching a new book that will aim to reflect on Jesus' table ministry. I have found it fascinating that we can 'bookend' Jesus' ministry between the Wedding at Cana, and the Last Supper before His death.

In the home of the Pharisee, Jesus is being closely watched, but he makes his own observations. Jesus sees the guests making for the places of honour and importance. This allows Jesus to reflect on the problem of such assumptions— he urges us to take insignificant seats. Some years ago, I was travelling home from Logan Airport, Boston. You can imagine my joy, as I was about to walk down the jetway, when the gate agent told me I had been upgraded to business class, as there was a change of aircraft, and my original economy seat did not exist! I had a wonderful experience of food, wine, and even a bed, made all the more special because it was totally unexpected. Jesus wants us to have a proper attitude of humility that is nothing like the odious Uriah Heap in the Charles Dickens classic, 'David Copperfield'. With a totally straight face, Heap is able to say to young David:

I am well aware that I am the 'umblest person going," said Uriah Heep modestly, "let the other be where he may. My mother is likewise a very 'umble person. We live in an 'umble abode, Master Copperfield, but have much to be thankful for.

However, that sycophantic 'thanks' does not allow him to support and help others—he sees himself as totally entitled. However, in the true justice of Dickens, Uriah Heap receives his just reward.

Indeed, Jesus offers the ultimate challenge to his host: when you hold a party invite the poor and those on the margins. Christianity is not about 'quid pro co', rather it is about unconditional love. My surprise Aer Lingus upgrade has never been repeated, but I am always grateful for that unique experience. I could never afford to fly business class, yet a kind gate agent helped to make my day. Jesus sees that generosity to be a needed highlight of the Christian way. In these difficult times, one can argue that we cannot afford to be generous with our limited cash. However, we can be generous with our time, generous with our praise, generous with our listening, generous with our understanding, and generous with our appreciation. Pope Francis urges us to understand that generosity and must become a way of life:

Generosity belongs to everyday life; it's something we should think: 'How can I be more generous, with the poor, the needy… How can I help more?' 'But Father, you know that we can barely get through the month.' 'But surely you have at least a couple of coins left over? Think about it: you can be generous with those…' Consider the little things. For example, look through your room or your wardrobe. How many pairs of shoes do I have? One, two, three, four, fifteen, twenty… Each of us knows. Maybe too many… I knew a monsignor who had 40… But if you have many pairs of shoes, give away half. How many clothes do I not use or use only once a year? This is one way to be, to give what we have, and to share

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash