On the Sabbath, Jesus was invited to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee.  There were other guests in attendance and they were intently observing Jesus.  When He arrived, Jesus had noticed how many of the guests had vied for places of honour at the table.  After a time, Jesus said to the guests: “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in a place of honour at table.  It may happen that a guest deserving of a place of honour may arrive and need a seat of honour.  Thus, the host may approach you and ask you to give your place to the honoured guest.  And you would experience the embarrassment of having to move down to a lower place.”

Jesus tells His listeners that it is better to take a lower place at table.  Then the host may come to you and say: "My friend, move up higher.”  The other guests then may hold you in high esteem.  Jesus concludes with the statement: “For everyone who exalts himself/herself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself/herself will be exalted.”

Status-seeking is rampant in our world.  Many people seek fame, power and recognition.  However, there also are many individuals who live their lives quietly and simply.  They are content with God, family, friends and a simple lifestyle.  Fame may look glamorous.  However, almost every day in the newspaper or on television we hear stories of how the famous and the glamorous have fallen or been defamed, often by their own choices.

Today Jesus encourages us to be content with what seemingly is “lowly and least.”  Often it is in the small and seemingly insignificant gifts of everyday life where we may experience the greatest love, joy, peace, and contentment.  Today be mindful and notice the many small gifts you receive.  Thank the giver and thank God!

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