SATURDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 29, 2022

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

REFLECTION

‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’

Many don't know how to give thanks to God. We tend to think of ourselves first and in pride and vain glory show off, hoping to be extolled and esteemed as good people. We find the best for ourselves. Should we take center stage, the best seats or skim the cream off the top? We may do it, but should we do it so that men may see us?

Mere man praises you one day and then the next will abhor you; speak highly of you and then one day no kind words come out of his mouth. Is he whom we are trying to impress? All on earth is so fleeting, yet, we treasure the world more than God. We thank the world for what we have. Do we thank God?

We should make an examination of conscience frequently throughout the day, maybe perhaps hourly. Is what we have done in the course of the day what God wants?

Be a blessing to others. Look around you and observe. There are so many ways to help out, cooperate and see the good in people. What matters is are we doing all we can to win the race? Are we ready for God's justice? He never forsakes His friends. Are we ready for Him to come up to us and say, "My friend, move up to a higher position".

God Bless You