LUKE 14:1, 7–11 I DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE FIRST 

Saturday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

In today’s Gospel, Jesus notices how people choose the places of honor at a banquet. He reminds them that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. I have to admit that the desire to be noticed or appreciated is something we all can struggle with. We want our efforts to be recognized, our opinions to be heard, and sometimes our contributions to receive more attention than those of others. Even when we do something good, we may quietly hope that someone will notice.

But Jesus invites us to live differently. Humility does not mean pretending we have no gifts or allowing others to treat us badly. It means recognizing that we do not have to prove our importance all the time. We can listen without needing the last word, serve without expecting praise, and allow someone else to receive recognition. I need to practice this, too. Sometimes the most loving thing I can do is step back and make room for another person.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Where am I trying too hard to be noticed or to have my own way? Perhaps we can take one small step toward humility by listening more carefully, giving credit to someone else, or doing a good deed quietly. We do not lose our worth when we stop competing for attention. We do not become smaller by making room for others; we become more like Jesus.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler