Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Most of us love a good party. Whatever the occasion—a birthday, a wedding, an “its Wednesday” celebration—we enjoy inviting family and friends over for good food and fun times. And we enjoy being invited by family and friends to the same. So when in today’s gospel, Jesus seems to say we should not be throwing such parties, we find it rather disconcerting. But if we keep two facts in mind: (1) that Jesus himself attended such parties, and (2) that Jesus is talking to a Pharisee, while we look more deeply at the matter, we will understand what Jesus is really saying.

First, Jesus himself attends such parties. We often see him at such parties and celebrations. At one of the most significant, the wedding at Cana, he even helps out by miraculously changing water into a finer vintage of wine than had been served previously. So Jesus is not actually opposed to this kind of party.

Second, however, Jesus is talking to a Pharisee. And Pharisees are notorious for seeking a heavenly reward for everything they do. However, the fact is that parties of the type we are talking about are their own rewards. We are rewarded by strengthening the bonds of family, friendship, and love with the people with whom we celebrate. And the relaxation, pleasure, and refreshment a good party brings renews and prepares us to face tomorrow’s challenges.

So, the Pharisee is looking for a heavenly gold star for the parties he throws, and Jesus helpfully tells him how to get such a reward. To invite the stranger, and the needy rather than family and friends is to throw a party with a heavenly reward. In our day, we could perhaps look at helping out at a parish or neighborhood food pantry, or help to obtain presents for poor children who would otherwise not get any Christmas presents. Then we, like the Pharisee, would get a gold star in heaven for our party.

Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB