From Whom All Blessings Flow Humility and Self-less Love Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:13-14) In the food-service industry, I would have loved interacting with the "regulars." They seem to be a joy to talk to because they are funny or prone to flattery, generous with tips or even gifts. I would have worked hard to make them feel welcome in a restaurant. Even rude customers may have inspired good hospitality in me because I saw the challenge of giving them a positive experience as a personal triumph. Jesus calls us to hospitality, but not with ulterior motives. He calls us to be generous and welcoming from a pure heart, especially to those whom the world has rejected. How has God welcomed you despite your own "difficult" tendencies? How can you imitate that love with others? Dearest Lord, You were rejected by the world and deserved it least of all. Help me to strive for the humility and selfless love that characterized Your ministry. Teach me to be generous and welcoming to those who are dear to Your sacred heart even if my first instinct is to avoid them. Change my heart into one more like Yours. In Your name, amen. But in case we forget, Jesus gave us the cross to remind us that the path of obedience, the path to greatness, the path of glory is found in serving others while we serve God. |