VALUES OF THE KINGDOM

In the Gospel of Luke (14:1-14), Jesus gives two parables about the values of the Kingdom of God. The first is about ladder society. He noticed that people were choosing places of honor during a banquet that He attended. People were busy choosing the best seats nearest to the host. Sitting in the best seats makes us feel superior and our fine seats trumpet our superior status to ordinary people. Jesus is speaking about Kingdom issues instead of offering advise about self-promotion. He is not talking about ordinary social etiquette. He is talking about the value of humility which is opposite to ladder society. He said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Humility is not weakness and helplessness. It is the mother of all virtues. It is truth, self-knowledge and wisdom. It is to have a strong inner security. It is to be in the right place knowing our place in social situations. It is to be like Jesus, the Creator of the universe, who is naked on the Cross. The second parable is addressed to the host who invited Him. He said, “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” It is about circle society, circular living where there is not top or bottom. All are equal. All are facing each other. All are in a better position to know and respect each other. This is a revolutionary value, a great reversal value because it requires us to have the same mind and heart of God who wants all to be saved. He calls us to Kingdom values and He blesses us when we seek to please Him rather than men. Jesus is creating a new family that transcends traditional family ties. A new family that transcends blood bonds. A new family that does the will of the Father. Therefore, we need the grace of metanoia from the Holy Spirit, a radical change of values and priorities. We are called to become small enough to enter the narrow gate, to be humble and servants like Jesus. We need to invite the least among us, the non-favored people so that we will be blessed by God because they don’t have the resources to repay us. We are called to be responsible and faithful stewards of creation here and now.