Jesus loved parties, banquets, weddings. His first miracle was at a wedding – making sure there was enough good wine. He often compared the Kingdom of God to a banquet. In last Sunday’s Gospel, he offers advice that amounts to ‘party skills’ that we could all live by.
Don’t go to a party and expect to be treated as the most important person there. We know what those people are like and we don’t want to be near them. Rather the person who is happy be there, isn’t worried about status, who enters into the flow, enjoying everyone is sure to be the person who is having fun and fun to be with.
Don’t give a party and expect to be paid back because you have invited your type of people. Parties aren’t transactions nor are they networking opportunities. They are opportunities to enjoy the wonder of our humanity. If you invite people outside of your usual friends, expect the party to be different.
A story was told about a woman who, with her fiancé, planned a wedding reception at a swish New York hotel. Then, one week before the wedding, he pulled out of the coming marriage - but she couldn't pull out of the contract with the hotel. Knocked by her rejection, she didn't withdraw into herself. She had paid for a party, then party she would...just not with quite the same guests. She went to the local refuges for the poor and homeless and invited the people there to come party with her and her friends. What a change of venue for them for one night! What a party!
Loving God, let me realise that your Kingdom is one of celebration, enjoying your company and that of the people around me. Give me the best party skills so that I can really enter into your life and love and share that with my family and friends. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb