Come Up Here

Proverbs 25:6-7
Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
or stand in the place of the great;
for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

When I come before God I honestly don't know if I am to wear a laurel wreath or a sack cloth. And I know that as long as I am alive I will move forward and backwards, up and down, as I swim a sea that ebbs and flows with emotions and attitudes -- pride ... humility ... strength ... weakness ... generosity ... self-protection. It is, truly, a constant process!

I am reminded, that God's unconditional love for all eases the burden of trying to choose for myself where I shall sit in God's presence. Nomatter how highly esteemed or how low on the "hierarchy" one may be, each one is naked and accountable in God's presence.

This week's gospel lesson from Luke sets a scene for prayer and contemplation and provides food for thought -- thoughts about self image...thoughts about how we move through human society and the web of connections. How do I make choices (conscious or otherwise) about where I fit or where I position myself in the pecking order? How intentional am I in inviting the lowly to step forward and take the "preferred" place?

Where do you see yourself in the scene? Are you a host? An invitee? Since it is early in the week, can you play with the image and imagine yourself one day as one of those held in high esteem...and the next as one of those relegated to the sideline?

I give thanks that the Lord of Life is the host of the Ultimate Banquet... and all are invited ... the highest... the most lowly. Saint...and sinner...

Come as you are... and allow the Host to show you to your seat!