Do you ever make excuses at the last minute for not attending a gathering you’re invited to? I’m trying to remember doing so, but I know I’ve had it done to me. It’s like the people decided at the last minute that a better offer came along. I always struggled with that because for me, a commitment is a commitment. If I say I’m going to do something (or don’t say I’m not), I am committed to that thing. I call it integrity or being considerate.
So what happens in the story Jesus tells to illustrate the banquet? The people first invited were not considerate. They did not keep their word at attending the feast. That’s a frustrating feeling for the one holding the feast. The anticipation of a party, of being around friends, of being able to share and make a memory. Rather than call the party off when no guests were expected – the feast holder went to Plan B and invited people he didn’t know, people less fortunate and not accustomed to such celebrations. Continue reading “Luke 14:15-24 – Let’s Party”
