Sunday, Aug. 31, is the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14:1, 7-14.

In the Gospel, the Lord Jesus summons us to a deeper appreciation for what brings true honor.

The Lord is at a banquet and gives the following teaching: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.”

At formal banquets, it is the host who determines where we sit. The eternal banquet we are invited to is God’s kingdom. God has a place for us, and he assigns each his place — and related blessings in life.

Having a “good” job like someone else’s or a talent like someone else’s may not be what is best for us.

Check with the Host and find out his will for you.

Note that Jesus was noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. They vie for what they think is honor. But remember, this is God’s banquet.

In the world, many are impressed by things like brawn, beauty, bling and bucks.

But what about God? Who draws the eye of the Father? Is it those at the “head table”? No. It is those who are serving.

Jesus then adds, “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Who is great in this world and who is greatest in the Kingdom are eternally different. May we always remember that our highest honor is serving others, especially those who cannot repay us.