“A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him and Jesus went to his house and sat down to eat.” (Lk 7:36)

“A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him and Jesus went to his house and sat down to eat.” (Lk 7:36) 

Today’s Passage: Lk 7:36-50 

Meditation:  A simple page from the ordinary life of Jesus becomes the focus of our meditation today. Jesus is invited by a Pharisee and is right there at the table. But, an uninvited guest turned everything upside down. The Pharisee Simon might have thought of giving a dinner and thereby enter into the good list of Jesus. Now, however, it is not the dinner that matters but the host and the guests. See, Jesus, on a simple invitation, is there right at the table. Of course, when we think of his incarnation, some may think that there is nothing to be specially noted. But I think there is something more to be taken into our consideration. (1) Who is coming to the house of Simon the Pharisee? It is Jesus the Son of God who knows everything even the secret thoughts of man. Here, Jesus is asking Simon a question knowing what he was thinking in mind. Psalmist says, “Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.” (Ps 139:4) We invite Jesus into our homes through our prayers and sacraments. When we listen to the word of God, receive Holy Communion, and go for confession, Jesus is invited by us. Do I really believe that Jesus who has come to me is really the Son of God? (2)  Is he invited only to your house and for meals, not to your heart? Jesus can be invited only to your externals like Simon. He was not ready to receive him into his heart. He had really contempt for Jesus, “If he were a prophet, he would know who this woman is who is touching him; he would know what kind of sinful life she lives.” (Lk 7:39) In our time, people are inviting Jesus to their wealth, health, beauty and property that they may be protected. Nevertheless, he will not be invited to their heart and life that they may be sanctified. You are so enthusiastic in prayer when your property, health, or beauty is lost. But at the same time you are so disinterested when you lose holiness, and honesty etc. Lord God wants your “first love” not your offerings.                                                                          

 Prayer:    Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Many a time, you had been invited to my house and properties, but never to my heart just like the Pharisee Simon. Unless you enter into my heart my invitation and your visit will be useless. Some of our celebrations also become mere invitation to our pomp and show. Our feasts become sign of curse rather than blessing. O Jesus! Help us to prepare ourselves to receive you into my heart and soul. Amen!   

Greetings:       Take courage! God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Thursday…