Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sunday – Luke 14: 15-26

When reading Jesus teachings at times I see why someone on the outside might think Christianity was foolish. Jesus casts a vision and gives instructions that go against the grain.

For example, Jesus calls us to see people as people. He says that money makes no difference, social standing makes not difference, and success or failure makes no difference. Most people would argue with Jesus and say that these things do make a difference. They make a difference in who is elected to public office. They make a difference in who takes with you. They make a difference in what kind of job you can get. Jesus says they do not mean anything to him.

Jesus also continues to paint a picture of the kingdom of God as he teaches. It seems the more he talks about the Kingdom that it has less to do with a time in an indistinct future and more about something that happens here and now. This is important to keep in mind how bold we might be to pray the Lord’s Prayer, to ask God, to bring his Kingdom and will here and now. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for the Kingdom of God to be on earth as it is in heaven. I think that is a bold prayer.

Are we ready to break bread with persons from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds? Are we ready to be invited to a dinner party where everyone is different? Are we ready to share our lives with people who are broken or who have been ignored in current society? At least in the reading today that is the image I got.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

When you imagined the story Jesus told, where were you in the story?

Who was sitting next to Jesus at the banquet table?

Who was sitting next to you?

What was served for dinner?

What is the hardest part of this story that Jesus tells?

If you could ask Jesus a follow up question to this story what would it be?