Friday 19/06/2026
Luke 14:12-24
This passage exposes how easily I replace God’s invitation with my own priorities. Jesus tells of a banquet where the invited guests refuse because of fields, oxen, and marriage—not sinful things, just distractions that feel more urgent. I do the same. Work, comfort, and social approval often keep me from saying yes to grace. The master’s response is striking. He turns to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame—people with no status or leverage. The kingdom isn’t built on who deserves it, but on who is willing to receive it. His urgency matters too: “Go out and compel them to come in.” This parable reminds me that I don’t earn a seat at the table. I either accept the invitation or let lesser things crowd it out. The question is whether I’ll be distracted or present when the call comes.
The Revd. Jacqueline Shalloe
