A reflection on Luke 14:15–24 for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
I identify with the guests in this Gospel more than I should. One has bought a field. Another needs to take a look at his oxen. Another just got married. These are people with responsibilities. I have never bought oxen, but I can certainly list my duties for today.
My three children need my attention. There always seems to be a message from school, something to prepare, somebody who cannot find what is in plain sight. I tell myself I will pray after I finish all of these things. The problem is that there is always one more thing to finish.
The guests have already been invited. When the meal is ready, they make excuses. I wonder whether I sometimes respond to God that way. I really do want a life of faith. I intend to make time for him. But when that means putting aside what I am doing, my reasons for waiting become harder to ignore.
Caring for my family does not keep me away from God. Much of what he asks of me happens at home. But there is a difference between taking care of a real need and keeping busy to avoid something.
An apology can wait until I feel less embarrassed. A call to someone who is lonely can wait until I have a whole hour. Prayer can wait until the house is quiet, which is an almost impossible goal to meet.
The host wants his table full. He sends his servant to bring in people who might never have expected an invitation. This is a sign of generosity and a warning. The first guests miss the meal they were offered.
I do not want to keep answering God by saying “Later.”
I can leave a task unfinished for ten minutes and pray. I can make the call without waiting for a perfect afternoon. I need to be honest about if I really can’t respond or if I simply prefer to do something else first.
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to share your life. Help me recognize when my sensible reasons have become excuses. Give me wisdom to care for my family and willingness to answer you today. Help me begin the prayer, make the call, or offer the apology I have been postponing. Amen.