Gospel LK 14:12-14
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.
He said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
 
Reflection:
 
“Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind….”
 
During the summer of 1952, when I was 12 years old, I hitch-hiked to Hartford, CT to spend a couple of weeks working with my dad.
 
Early one morning as we were heading for our usual breakfast spot, we notice a man sleeping in a doorway. He was “blind” drunk and reeked of alcohol and urine.
 
Recognizing the man, Dad nudged him awake. “Charlie! Charlie, wake up. Wake up, Pal! Come on…get up, the cops will be coming by.”
 
Looking confused, Charlie staggered to his feet.
 
As we entered the little restaurant, the waitress immediately put up a fuss wailing, “Oh my God, why are you bringing him in here?”
 
Ignoring the waitress’ protest, Dad said, “Charlie, don’t worry about it. Just slide in the booth.”
 
The three of us feasted on a “banquet” of bacon, eggs and home fries; Charlie beamed a big smile as he finished his second cup of coffee.
 
As we parted company, Dad said, “Charlie, shape up today. Try to stay straight. I’ll see you tonight, Pal.”
 
When Charlie went on his way, Dad put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Jimmy boy, you see that man? He’s a human being.”
 
Dad died five years later.
 
“…….blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
– – Luke 14:14