22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 28, 2022 At first glance, we may think Jesus is giving a lesson on table manners. But, there is more here than table etiquette. Before we go further, make no mistake that social graces are important to learn. In fact, we need more thank-you notes, less cell phones in public, more appropriate decorum or dress, less talking with a mouthful of food; but - as important as these are – Jesus is aiming higher with this parable. He is taking a slice from ordinary life to illustrate a slice of the Kingdom of God. His point is to move us from the banquet table here on earth to the banquet table set in heaven. And that is one banquet we do not want to miss, nor take lightly.
Jesus starts his parable but then turns everything upside down. Jesus offers a radical reversal of the system in place. He suggests we stop keeping score, so God can keep score for us; that we stop storing up favors owed, so God will begin to favor us; that we encircle the outsider and love the unlovable, so that we find ourselves surprised by the same unmerited favor of God’s embrace.
So, remember God is throwing a banquet and we are all invited. Let’s start practicing our heavenly table manners.