Humility and Hospitality: The Way of Christ

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 31, 2025

Readings: Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29; Psalm 68:4–7,10–11; Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24; Luke 14:1, 7–14

The ultimate goal of our life, other than spiritual dimensions, is to live our life happily and contentedly. Therefore, whatever we speak, act or do must give joy to our lives as well as to the lives of others. Our journey of life must take others with us so that everyone has a place. No one is excluded; in fact, everyone is included. Such a broader view involves sacrifices on one's part, including one's readiness to be simple and trustworthy. In this context, the kingdom values like humility, justice, equality, truth, etc, are essential and have to be integrated into one's life. In other words, meaning-making is a lifelong process with enfolding and unfolding. The liturgical readings on this Sunday emphasize this aspect of meaning-making in our lives based on those Gospel values. 

1. Greatness in one's conduct

The Gospel this Sunday, Luke 14:1, 7–14, places us at a dinner table with Jesus. In that setting, he notices how people rush to occupy the seats of honour. With calm authority, Jesus turns this into a teaching moment—not just about table etiquette, but about the very heart of Christian living. “When you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place.” (Lk 14:10). This is not about false modesty; it is about humility rooted in truth. In a world that constantly pushes us to climb higher, to assert ourselves, and to grasp recognition, Jesus points to another way—the way of self-emptying love. The measure of our greatness is not in how high we sit, but in how deeply we can bend in service.

Jesus also challenges the narrowness of our generosity. “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Lk 14:13) The kingdom of God is not built on transactions or mutual favours, but on a love that reaches those who cannot repay. To welcome those who are forgotten, to serve without expecting return, is to share in God’s own heart. This is charity or philanthropy. It is not giving away when you would like to avoid taxes, etc. Real charity involves commitment, sacrifice and dedication. 

2. Becoming countercultural with Gospel values

The message of Jesus is deeply countercultural. Our instinct is to protect our image, to seek acknowledgment, and to keep company with those who can benefit us. But the Gospel reminds us that true discipleship blossoms in hidden acts of kindness, in lifting the lowly, and in opening our doors and hearts to those whom society overlooks.

For us as Christians today, this passage calls us to examine: Do we seek honour, praise, or recognition in subtle ways? Are our choices of friends and associations guided by self-interest, or do they reflect the radical hospitality of Christ? Can we find joy in serving those who cannot “pay us back”? These questions are tough, but sometimes we must ask ourselves. Otherwise, we will become just like others who don't believe in our faith convictions. If we want to distinguish ourselves from others, then we must be followers of Jesus who follow his teachings. 

3. A special place in God's reign 

The author of Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24 contrasts two mountains: Sinai and Zion. Sinai represents fear, trembling, and distance—the people could not touch the mountain or draw near to the living God without terror. But now, through Christ, we are invited to a new mountain, Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. It is no longer about thunder, fire, and distance; it is about closeness, communion, and grace. It invites us today with two attitudes: gratitude and responsibility. Gratitude, because we have been freely welcomed into God’s family through Christ. Responsibility, because as citizens of heaven, we are called to reflect heaven’s values—mercy, justice, compassion, and peace—in our daily lives.

What an extraordinary gift this is! We are no longer strangers trembling before a distant God, but children welcomed into the presence of angels and saints. We stand before the living God, not with dread, but with confidence, because we come through the blood of Jesus—blood that does not cry out for vengeance like Abel’s, but for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. This vision calls us to live our faith with joy and boldness. Christianity is not about fear-driven obedience (unfortunately, at times so) but about love-inspired discipleship. Let us go forth as people of joy, people of courage, and people of reconciliation—living witnesses that we already belong to God’s eternal city.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You invite us to live not in fear but in joy, for we are already citizens of Your heavenly city. Teach us the grace of humility, that we may take the lower place and serve with love rather than seek honour. Open our hearts to welcome the poor, the forgotten, and the broken, just as You welcome us to Your table of grace. By Your precious blood, make us instruments of peace and reconciliation, living witnesses of Your Kingdom here on earth until the day we join the angels and saints in the eternal banquet of heaven. We make this payer in your Holy Name Jesus, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

28 August 2025