What happens when You take the place of honour?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 14:1, 7-11*

*First Reading - Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29*

*What happens when You take the place of honour?*

*1) Jesus says not to take the place of Honour*

In today's Gospel we come across the opinion of Jesus that one should not take the place of honour unless he/she is asked for it. 

Now we can ask a question, why one should not take the place of honour? 

Or if one takes the place of honour, what does it imply?

*2) Taking the place of Honour would imply the following things*

*A) It implies that I am important person*

It becomes a self declaration that one is trying to tell others that I am important person, and I must be recognised in all the places 

*B) It is the exhibition of ones pride*

The very attitude of craving the place of honour shows the pride of the person. Such an attitude goes against the virtue of humility

*C) Lack of respect for the other*

The attitude of occupying the place of honour, also shows a kind of disrespect to the others, who are suppose to occupy these seats 

*D) It shows the undue desire of the person for recognistion*

This also shows the inappropriate desire for recognition and cheap popularity

*3) The difference between offering the place of honour by others and claiming by oneself*

When some one asks us to occupy the place of honour means they recognise our value 

When some one else recognises our value, it is more authentic than by declaring oneself 

On the other hand, when we occupy the place of honour on our own, it is we who trying to tell others that I am a important person 

Such self declaration about the self has no value and it becomes a humiliating thing to the person who ouupies the seat 

*4) Occupying the place of honour also leads a person for humiliation*

This particular aspect is clearly highlighted in today's Gospel. 

There comes a situation where the person is asked to vacate the place of honour, in front of the crowd, because it is reserved for some one else 

In such a case it becomes a humiliating thing for the person. So ultimately it leads to the humiliation and not to the happiness 

*5) Lesson for humility*

The core message of today's Gospel episode is the importance of the virtue of Humility. 

Towards the end we come across that the virtue of humility makes a person great in the sight of God, where as pride leads to the utter humiliation. 

So we are suppose to practice the virtue of humility to become great in the Kingdom of God. 

*6) My life and desire for honour*

There is a inner tendency in all of us that we are recognised, honoured, and paised by others. 

Is my desire for honour based on selfish motives, or for personal gain or to exhibit myself to others 

Is it a attitude of humility or the attitude of pride, arrogance, desire for position, status, and for cheap popularity? 

*If Honour comes to you, because of your good work accept it, but  don't expect for it all the time*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*