A Reflection for the Twenty-second Sunday in Odd Time
For each one who exalts himself will likely be humbled,
however the one who humbles himself will likely be exalted. (Lk 14:11)
Today’s Gospel is certainly one of Jesus’ parables, which usually implies that, while its core message resonates across centuries, the precise details of the story often don’t translate literally to our modern lives. But ever since I read the story of Sara Cummins, I feel of her every time I hear this Gospel and marvel on the ways by which her lived experience connects to today’s readings.
Ms. Cummins and her fiancé called off their wedding every week before it was scheduled to occur. The fee of the $30,000 banquet was non-refundable, and she or he didn’t want the food to go to waste, so she reached out to nearby homeless shelters with a view to fill the 170 seats on the tables. “For me, it was a possibility to let these people know they deserved to be at a spot like this just as much as everyone else does,” Ms. Cummins told The Guardian. Local shops also donated formal attire for the event.
It’s unlikely most of us can have a likelihood to throw a $30,000 party for strangers, but each week we now have a likelihood to supply a priceless welcome to all those that join us on the eucharistic table.
On what would have been her big day, Ms. Cummins, along together with her mother, aunts and a couple of bridesmaids, humbly greeted her guests. On a day when she would have been the focal point, she directed that spotlight to the needs of others.
It’s unlikely most of us can have a likelihood to throw a $30,000 party for strangers, but each week we now have a likelihood to supply a priceless welcome to all those that join us on the eucharistic table. This parable serves as reminder to reflect on whether or not we’re making enough of an effort to achieve out to those that seem lonely, who feel unwanted or alone in our parish communities or within the church at large. We must see every Sunday as a celebration that offers us the possibility to honor the needs and humanity of others, to remind ourselves of the ways by which we too are broken and in need. And to keep in mind that in doing so we honor the one who invites all of us to the heavenly banquet.