HOMILY FOR THE 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: “WHEN YOU HAVE A PARTY, INVITE THE POOR”
BY: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 28 2022
This is the 22nd Sunday in ordinary time. Everyone likes to be recognized, honored, acknowledged and welcomed in any gathering. Most people feel so bad when they are ignored because their personality has been lowered. In an organized party, the names and titles of the dignitaries are announced so that they enjoy a rousing applause from the people. The most important moment in every party is the point when the dignitaries are ushered onto the high table. This has become a formal protocol in many places. But the book of Ecclesiasticus says: “The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favor with the Lord” (Eccl, 3:17-20, 28-29).
In spite of the many parables about humility in the Bible, the poor among us do not enjoy any dignified protocols during organized parties. No one invites the poor to the high-table during parties because they have nothing big to offer. Sometimes their names mean nothing to the world. Their presence is neither acknowledged nor mentioned during parties. Even in the church some special guests who arrived late move to take the front seat. They forget that, the church is where “everyone is a ‘first born son’ and a citizen of heaven” (Heb. 12 :18-19. 22-24).
Thus, everyone is equal before God, rich and poor alike. The measure of being great is not how affluent you are but how humble you are. Taking the place of honor at banquets before one is called up is arrogance and pride. The poor person keeps a distance and is never recognized but God loves the poor and the humble. The person who organizes a party only to invite those who are rich and influential has left out a major part of the society. Jesus is telling us to reset the clock and invite the poor. “No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…” (Lk. 14:1. 7-14). Be humble enough to identify with those who are less-previllaged in the society and you will never lose your reward. Happy Sunday.