Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Difference and Dignity of all Creation


 St. Luke 14:12-14
 " ...you will be blessed" 

 

Jesus teaches us to do good without expecting anything in return. Jewish culture was very conscious of the curse of poverty. Whenever they gave a feast, they included beggars and the poor, who might be fed on what was left over. Jesus’ rule only goes further than this; to tell us that the poor were to be invited not in addition to the guests, but instead of them. 
1) Jesus is the Compassionate Lord
When the disciples of John the Baptist asked for Jesus’ messianic credentials, he replies: “go and tell John what you have seen and heard; the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear and the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. (Luke 7:22)
The list of people mentioned in Luke 14:12-14 is a group who often does not get a formal invitation to any social gatherings. They are not capable to reciprocate any favor from others. They may seem alien and strange to a common gathering. Jesus exhorts us to give dignity and status to all people regardless of their background. This is an example for God’s generosity for all people. 
2) Jesus exhorts us to give dignity to others...
Proverbs 22:2, 22, 23 tells us very clearly about God’s concern for the poor. "A good name is more desirable than great riches;     to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.....Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life."
God loves every one, but he is concerned about the poor, disabled and the weak. He is angry on those who exploit them. God wants to maintain a right relationship with His creation without disparity, involving all aspects of our lives, based on love. He wants us to share the same love with those who are disabled and weak. “A change in inner attitude leads to a change in outward behavior.”  What kind of change do we need to bring in our life to care for the weak and the disabled?
3) Jesus promised " ... you will be blessed....."
Luke 14:13-14 "when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" 1Timothy 2:3
It is clear that the matter of blessing and honor has been lifted from the praise of others to praise from God. God is ultimately the only one who can bless us. Amen.

Prayer
Give me blessings O mighty one full of joy; Conduct yourself as a useful servant Give me the grace to humble myself, purify the impure Protect the afflicted and embrace the rejected. Amen

Thought for the Day
We should be able to accept and respect the differences

Rev. Shaji Kochummen
Long Island MTC, NY

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