In our gospel lesson today Jesus tells the host of a party that by inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind he will be blessed. As I have reflected on this passage this week I have asked myself a series of questions what does it mean to be blessed? What is a blessing? Is it better to give or receive a blessing?
In our reading from Luke the host of the party is told he will be blessed and the implication is that the blessing will come from God. This raises the question of motivation. Do we offer of ourselves in order to receive a blessing? Is it better to give than to receive?
While we should offer of ourselves without any expectation of receiving anything, often receiving something allows us to be a blessings because the other individual is blessed by giving. What we can be sure about is that in telling this parable Jesus is explaining the values of the kingdom of God. Humility and generosity are to rule our hearts.
Text: Luke 14: 1, 7-14
Questions for Sunday
- Do you enjoy giving?
- How could you throw a banquet which benefited the poor, the cripple, the lame and the blind?
- How are you a blessing?
Prayer for Sunday
Gracious God, open my eyes that I may see. Allow my life to be a blessing to those around me and may all that I do reflect on your glorious purpose within creation. In Jesus name, Amen.