“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
- Luke 14:8-11 -

In this event we see Jesus healing a man with leprosy at the house of a Pharisee. It appears that Jesus saw people in the Pharisee's house. Jesus teaches here that we, God's people, should seek humility, which is the very characteristic of the kingdom of God. It is part of our sinful nature to exalt ourselves at the expense of others. Yet Jesus our Lord came to serve us from heaven. He completely lowered Himself, even to the cross. We can have God's grace when we humble ourselves: God opposes the proud but gives His grace to the humble (1 Pe 5:5). On the firm foundation of God's grace, we are built up to the height of great grace. Thus Agustine of Hippo said, "Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.” (Augustine of Hippo, 354–430).

Prayer: Lord, I repent of my pride; I constantly seek to exalt myself. Please wash me and give me the heart of Christ who lowered Himself in the will of God, even to the point of dying on the cross. Let me know Christ more and more.