GOSPEL: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Now it happened that on a Sabbath day he had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely.

He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, 'When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, "Give up your place to this man." And then, to your embarrassment, you will have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, "My friend, move up higher." Then, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be raised up.' Then he said to his host, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relations or rich neighbours, in case they invite you back and so repay you. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; then you will be blessed, for they have no means to repay you and so you will be repaid when the upright rise again.'

REFLECTION
On the Sabbath, Jesus was invited to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee.  There were other guests in attendance and they intently observed Jesus. When Jesus arrived, he noticed how many of the guests had vied for places of honor at the table. After a time, Jesus said to the guests: “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in a place of honor at table. It may happen that a guest deserving of a place of honor may arrive and need a high seat of honor. Thus, the host may approach you and ask you to give your place to the honored guest. And you would experience the embarrassment of having to move down to a lower place.”

Jesus tells his listeners that it is better to take a lower place at the table. Then the host may come to you and say: "My friend, move up higher.” The other guests then may hold you in high esteem. Jesus concludes with the statement: “For everyone who exalts himself/herself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself/herself will be exalted.”

In today’s world, individuals vie for fame, fortune, power, and status every day. The people who have achieved any of these advantages typically are held in high esteem. However, Jesus completely reverses this idea. He proposes that it is always best to choose a lower place rather than a higher place. Thus, you will never be embarrassed by being asked to move to a lower place, and possibly you may be invited to move up to a higher place.

Status-seeking is rampant in our world. Many people seek fame, power and recognition. However, there also are many individuals who live their lives quietly and simply. They are content with God, family, friends, and a simple lifestyle. Fame may look glamorous. However, almost every day in the newspaper or on television we hear stories of how the famous and the glamorous have fallen or been disgraced, often by their own choices.

Today Jesus encourages us to be content with what seems to be the lowly and least. Often it is in the small and seemingly insignificant gifts of everyday life where we may experience the greatest love, joy, peace, and contentment. Today, be mindful and notice the many small gifts you receive. Thank the giver and thank God! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

CONFIRMATION
​This Sunday some students from our school and parish community will unite to celebrate their Confirmation. The celebration will take place at St Augustine's Church at 10am. We extend a warm welcome to everyone. The mass will be followed by a morning tea in the PAC. It would be appreciated if any donations of food be dropped off at the PAC prior to the mass. We thank you in advance and look forward to celebrating this very special occasion with our Confirmandi.

​​God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator