Mindfulness

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.  "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor.  A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.  Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."  Luke 14: 1, 7 – 11

When I prayed using this Gospel passage I was struck by the image of the exalted place at the table.  As I pondered the image of the last time I was at a celebratory dinner I was replaying in my mind how I chose my seat.  In choosing my seat I was conscious of trying not to have my back to anyone when the host would be speaking.  It struck me that this Gospel is less about choosing a seat than mindfulness.  We are called to be mindful of others in all areas of our lives.  When we are mindful we act out of a disposition of thoughtfulness rather than self-centeredness.  We think about others more than we think about ourselves and our own comfort level.  As we go through our day today let us try to be mindful of one another and put the needs of others before our own.  Happy Saturday!

Pat Schifini, OSU