Humility is a virtue with great practical value

Beyond the practical value of humility, there is one more still deeper level of meaning behind Jesus’ dining advice. It may be good manners; it may hint at winsome character traits; even more than that, the story Jesus tells is meant to teach us about who God is. For who deserves the highest spot, not at a banquet, but in the universe, in the order of existence? God. And who has humbled himself to take the lowest spot, born in a stable, executed like a criminal? God, Jesus himself. Jesus humbles himself so that, with him, we might be exalted.

The Church Father St. Irenaeus said that even though God does not need us, he wants to need us. We are the poor guests at the feast, who can offer in repayment for such generosity only our own presence, and yet that is enough. That is precisely what God asks of us—our real presence—all that he desires. Blessed indeed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb. (Fr Tony Lusvardi Homily August 22, 2022).