Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

August 29, 2010

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Opening Prayer

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29

Psalm: 68:4-7,10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24a

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

This Sunday’s Gospel reading takes place at a banquet that is only mentioned in Luke’s gospel. Jesus heals a man who has come into their midst, no doubt creating an uncomfortable situation (verses 2-6, not included in this reading).

During the banquet, there is some jockeying around by the guests, comprised mainly of Pharisees (verse 1), to sit at the most prestigious spots at the table.

Jesus reminds them of the humility taught by the Old Testament in these situations (verses 8-10; Proverbs 25:6-7) and makes the point that, in the things that matter, God is not impressed or influenced by man’s self-made status (verse 11).

He then goes further than this, insisting that, not only should we be humble among our peers, but we should also be welcoming and generous with those whom our peers (and we) would not normally consider worthy of esteem and honor (verses 12-14).

QUESTIONS:

The Second Reading contrasts the inapproachability of God in the Old Testament (alluding to the experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16-20) with our present privilege of being able to approach him through his Son, Jesus Christ. Despite this privilege (which is made possible by God’s love and grace through Jesus’ sacrifice) why should we still have a spirit of awe and humility in his presence?

How does the First Reading imply that there is a natural cause and effect between humility and being blessed by God?

Describe the circumstances surrounding the Gospel Reading: the day? Host? Atmosphere?

How does Jesus’ view of honor (verses 7-11) differ from that held by others at the meal? What does this passage teach you about the difference between heavenly values versus earthly values?

What kind of risk is connected with taking the lowest place at table? Why would true humility seek the lowest place without thought of being elevated or even noticed? What might be some of the benefits of such humility?

If you threw a party for the “poor,” “crippled,” “lame,” and “blind,” whom would you invite? How might you do this?

What are your attitudes toward the guests you invite to your home? How closely do your attitudes resemble what Jesus recommends here? When was the last time you invited people like those Jesus lists?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 588, 582, 2540

Worldly society has flowered from a selfish love which dared to despise even God, whereas the communion of saints is rooted in a love of God that is ready to trample on self.

-St. Augustine

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- St. Jerome