The table of plenty is the message of today’s readings. In our society we have lots of facilities and institutions that help those who are disadvantaged and less privileged: like the Soup kitchens, Saint Vincent De Paul, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, etc. At the time of Jesus, these institutions were nonexistence. There will always be the less privileged in the world, but what should we do?
Jesus reminded you and I that what we have is what we have received, a gift. He said, when we are planning a gathering, a party, we should not just invite those who we know and who are like us. Rather, we should have an open-door policy. Jesus said we should invite those who are, “poor, crippled, lame and blind”.
Jesus said though the “less privileged” in our midst may cannot return the “favor”, God will. God will bless us for our generosity and love. Hence, you and I will be blessed in ways we were not expecting, ways they were not looking for.
How often do you look out of your “window”? Who do you see? The people, marginalized? Do you look at them as brothers and sisters, or do you see them as a burden?
Jesus also addressed the less privileged, reminding them that God knows them and see them. They are never a burden to the society and to God. Though them may rely on people’s support and good will each day, with day-to-day tasks, they need to learn that they are a blessing, not a burden. Though they can’t return the favors done to them, they can bless people through who they are. Their humor, their compassion, and their thoughtfulness.
This week let’s take time to put into practice what we have just heard. Every day is an opportunity to receive a blessing from God. Let’s not blow it.
Have a wonderful week
