Daily Gospel Reflection
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October 30, 2021
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.”
For much of my life, I have struggled with the sin of pride. When I seek to accomplish something, I often find that what I am seeking is praise from others. I see evidence of this in my acceptance into the University of Notre Dame, entering the Alliance for Catholic Education, and getting my first pick of job offers. In working towards these goals, I found myself desiring not only the goal (good in and of itself) but also the praise that accompanied it. I was, in a sense, seeking to “recline at table in the place of honor.”
In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux writes of the importance of gratitude for where God has placed us. She wisely counsels, “[God] has also created little [saints]…nestling at his feet to delight his eyes when he should choose to look at them. The happier they are to be as he wills, the more perfect they are.”
While I sought honor in accomplishing my goals, I realized I did not find true happiness in any praise that accompanied them. Because I was so concerned with my pride, I could not find joy in where God had placed me. Because I was so concerned for the seat of honor and not those around me, I felt lonely.
Today’s gospel reminds me to be grateful—not only for where God has placed me but also for the people God has placed with me. It is here that I have found lasting joy.
I pray that today our attention may not be on building up our pride and reputation but on the company of those at the table with us. Most importantly, may it be on the bridegroom who has graciously invited us all to the feast.
Prayer
Loving God, in you alone we find our peace. Confident in your mercy, give us the strength to bear the crosses and burdens we carry. Fill us with the light of your presence and restore our spirits as we await the joyful coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask this in his name. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Marcellus was a soldier in the Roman army who died for the belief that sovereignty belongs only to Christ. His relics are embedded in the main altar of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on campus.
In the late 200s, Marcellus was a centurion in the Roman army and was posted in Spain. As the empire celebrated a feast in honor of the emperor with sacrifices to the gods, Marcellus, wanting to remain pure of heart, stood in front of his legion and condemned the celebration. Though he was a centurion, he cast aside his belt (a distinguishing mark of his rank) and declared himself a soldier of Christ, the eternal king.
His fellow soldiers were dumbfounded—they did not know what to do with him. They reported him to their superiors, and he was thrown into prison.
We still have transcripts from his trial, which record Marcellus declaring, “I am a Christian, and can serve no other than Jesus Christ, Son of God.” He was sentenced to death for desertion and impiety and was beheaded on this date in 298.
St. Marcellus is patron saint of conscientious objectors to military service.
St. Marcellus, you set aside your rank and gave your life to serve only Christ the King—pray for us!