Arulvakku

04.11.2019 — Genuine giving in Hospitality

31st Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 04th November 2019 — Gospel: Lk 14,12-14

Genuine giving in Hospitality

The meal with the Pharisees provides Jesus an opportunity to teach about hospitality and generosity in God’s Kingdom. Rather than inviting people who are able to repay hospitality, a host of a banquet should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. We notice here Luke’s emphasis on the compassion of Jesus and his preferential option for the poor and the unloved. Hospitality and generosity are genuine when no motive exists besides giving. In turn Jesus promises joy, peace and happiness to those who render without expecting anything in return. Doing good that cannot be reciprocated is contrary to the profit making attitude of this world’s standards and that is why it brings many true blessings from God. The poor are those with little of this world’s goods. They hardly enjoy human dignity and respect in this society. Jesus’ love touches the miserable, the outcasts and the weak. He leads them into freedom and joy that Jesus shares from his Father.