Invited and Inviting

For most of human history wisdom was largely part of an oral tradition. From one generation to the next, wisdom was passed down. These days it sometimes seems that technology has replaced that tradition of shared wisdom. Pull out a smartphone and do a quick Internet search. Next thing you know, there it is, wisdom at your fingertips—maybe. We can find facts online, but virtues like humility, respect of others, hospitality, servanthood, and peacemaking do not seem to translate as easily in the electronic age. In the gospel reading Jesus takes the time to pass on some ancient-yet-timeless wisdom to a crowd of status conscious climbers who were not familiar with such insight. (Proverbs 25:6-7)

Further, Jesus lifts up the gracious and life-transforming values of the kingdom of God, of which this wisdom is a part. Jesus lifts up the humility required to take the lowest seat at the table, never hoping to be invited to a place of greater honor or status. Jesus invites his followers to practice the hospitality that offers a banquet of the finest of foods for people who cannot repay. Jesus invites his followers to embody the kind of radical and relational love of Jesus himself. Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at Christ’s banquet table. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still. Good wisdom for us to follow!