Humbly Saved Than Being First

Reflection on Lk. 14:1,7-11

The Gospel happened on a Sabbath day and Jesus gave a lesson on humility. Jesus was criticizing the Pharisees for their misguided values. Because of their fanatic adherence to the laws, they had become unconcerned about the conditions of their fellow human beings. They were willing to implement the full force of the law against individuals, like postponing the cure of a sick person, but were willing to compromise it for the care of their animals, like helping an ox that fell on a cistern. The Pharisees believed that fulfilling the law, no matter who was concerned, was the ultimate purpose.

Later, Jesus told the parable on humility in the wedding banquet. This is to send the message that salvation is not determined by individuals; is not guaranteed in the fulfillment of the laws; and received first by those who are righteous. In the same way that the humble is exalted and the exalted is humbled, those who had gone astray and repented would go ahead of those who had been righteous but were not repentant. So many times in the Gospels this month had this been stressed. In fact, the main Gospel of Jesus is about repentance. As soon as He embarked in His ministry after that Baptism at the Jordan, He went about preaching the Gospel of repentance. Jesus was not devaluing nor ignoring the importance of the law and pious activities. But if these were done merely externally and from an arrogant and righteous heart, they will not gain the favor of God. God looks for the repentant heart. God looks for the humble person. God looks for the coming back of the prodigal son!

He gives us a warning in the parable of the wedding banquet. Be careful in determining yourself as already worthy of the Kingdom. You might be surprised! The parable (story) of Jesus about the sheep and the goats reminds us that on the day of judgment, we will be judged according to how we have treated our neighbors. In that parable, Jesus clarified that our service of God is done through our neighbors. When God asks us how we served and not served Him, how we treated our neighbors would be the basis of His judgment. Attendance to Sunday or daily worship, prayers in the adoration chapel, attendance in processions, novenas, and other para-liturgies, fasting and other sacrifices, are not sufficient. Charity counts big in our discipleship. However small are our services to our neighbors, those are services rendered to God. Any service rendered to God is always BIG!

The stress of our Lord in humility now becomes clear. Humility entails service. Service is always making oneself available for the needy other. Whether it is time, talent, or treasure, in whatever measure, when done out of love, it is always very precious to God. Bear in mind and keep in our hearts that we are creatures who are always dependent on God. That alone should remind us to be always humble!