Dear Fellow Disciples,

In Jesus’ day, a banquet was a way to show off wealth. Having a bounty of food for the guests showed that you were a person of means. They also displayed one’s social standing, especially since they were too large to hold indoors. Everyone could see who was in attendance. Important guests indicated that the host was also important. And these guests were given a good seat, so they could see and be seen.

Dear fellow disciples

“The last will be first…”

This Sunday's parable calls attention to the danger of thinking that external practice of religion alone will save a place in heaven.

The situation of those asking the Lord to open the door to them, claiming intimacy with him is dramatic. Even more dramatic is the Lord’s answer “I do not know you or where you are from.”

Jesus’ question “Do you think that I have come come to establish peace to earth? No, I tell you, but rather division”, can generate a lot of misunderstandings. How can we reconcile this with “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”? What about when Jesus considers Himself as humble and meek of heart?

Here Jesus establishes a clear division between those who chose justice and those who chose oppression. Those who look for their own interests and those who promote the dignity of every human person as God’s children and their brothers and sisters. Those who are moved by love and compassion and those who let themselves be moved by selfishness and greed. Those who strive to put the faith in action in a life of discipleship and those who live a superficial faith based only in the minimal practices, just as part of a check list.

Jesus calls the attention of his disciples to their need to be always alert. Especially against the suggestions of the world. It could be so strong as to convince them to renounce their commitment with the Kingdom of God.

The exigences and difficulties of discipleship can be heavy and discouraging on them and also on us. The fewer number of members in the primitive community can put in danger the success of such a great and demanding mission. Hence the importance and need to stay alert.