The readings of Luke and of Sirach in the Gospel emphasize the virtue of humility. Part of the Old Testament is the idea that God shows His favor to the humble. Great thinkers such as St. Bonaventure have seen that humble devotion is necessary for finding truth: “Spiritual readings without repentance are not sufficient; nor is knowledge without devotion; or inquiry without the capacity to be surprised; or prudence without openness to joy; nor any activity devoid of a religious spirit; nor wisdom without charity, intelligence without humility; study without divine grace, or reflection without the wisdom inspired by God.” (Itinerarium mentis in Deum, prologue 4)  

Jesus stresses the importance of humility. This virtue is so necessary for salvation that Jesus takes every opportunity to stress its importance. Here, He uses the attitudes of people at a banquet to remind us again that it is God who assigns the places at the heavenly banquet. “Together with humility, the realization of the greatness of man’s dignity—and of the overwhelming fact that, by grace, we are made children of God—from a single attitude. It is not our own efforts that save us and give us life; it is the grace of God.” (Christ is Passing by, 133)

A Christian acts in the world in the same way as anyone else does; but his dealings with his colleagues and others should not be based on pursuit of reward or vainglory. The first thing he should seek is God’s glory, desiring heaven as his only reward. (cf. Lk 6:32-34). 

Yours in Christ, 

Fr. Vincent Clemente