The host of the meal in the Gospel lesson was probably shocked when Jesus told him to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Why on earth would anyone waste an opportunity to rack up social brownie points by inviting those who have nothing to offer? It sounds rather odd, but it’s also the kingdom of God. This is the way God wants us to treat one another. Indeed, it’s the way God first treats us: by creating us, giving us what we need to flourish, caring for us, forgiving us, and redeeming us. We struggle to do anything meaningful for God in return. In fact, about the only thing we can do in return, is to be generous and share what we’ve been given with others. This is the kingdom life.
