Banquet of the blind, lame, crippled and poor: a reflection for Day 30 of Lent

“…when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14.13-14) 

     Jesus and the disciples continue to journey towards Jerusalem.  The number of people thronging around Jesus is increasing (Lk. 11.14, 29; 12.1; 13.22; 14.25), and so is the tension between Jesus and the obstinate members of “his generation”.  The tenor of Jesus’ teaching is often severe.

     Once again, we find Jesus being a dinner-guest in the home of a Pharisee (Lk. 14.1; cf. 11.37).  A “blessing” pronounced by another guest – “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (14.15) – is situated between two parables told by Jesus which compare the kingdom to a (wedding) banquet (Lk. 14.7-24; cf. 13.22-30).  Both parables have the same punch-line, which is an admonition for those who are in the habit of giving banquets.  Jesus turns to his host (14.12) and tells him that next time, he should not invite respectable people who can return the favour by inviting him into their homes; rather, says Jesus, invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” (14.13).  Jesus equates this kind of radical hospitality to true “blessedness” and to “righteousness, justice” (cf. Lk. 14.14; cf. 11.42).  As far as Jesus is concerned, hospitality is not meant to be a stratagem for augmenting one’s status, but its purpose is rather to provide generosity to those who have little reason – or means – to celebrate (cf. Lk. 4.16-19; 7.22-23).

     There is an international Christian community based in Rome who takes this Gospel passage literally.  Besides their numerous other humanitarian initiatives, every year at Christmas time, they host a banquet for the homeless people of their city.  Guests are invited to a sit-down dinner inside a large church prepared for the occasion, and members of the community wait on their honoured guests all evening.[1]  Why not do this where we are?

     Jesus’ second parable involves a wealthy homeowner who invites many people to a banquet, only to have them all make excuses for why they cannot attend (Lk. 14.16-20; cf. 9.57-62).  Upon hearing this, the host sends his slave out into “the streets and lanes of the town” to bring in – here’s the punch line again – “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (14.21).  Those who assume that their place in the kingdom is a foregone conclusion would do well to think again (cf. Lk. 13.28-30).  Jesus then proceeds to stipulate three conditions for being his disciple (=for belonging to the kingdom of God): “hate” one’s family, even life itself; “carry the cross” and give up all one’s possessions (Lk. 14.25-27, 33; cf. 9.23).  Jesus’ “gospel” is bad news for the self-sufficient, smug and vengeful and good news for the poor, desperate and trusting.  Let’s take advantage of the Lenten season to examine our hearts and see if our attitude is one that welcomes the kingdom that Jesus brought.  Our place at Jesus’ table is contingent on our having made room at our table for those in need.  Amen.


[1] In 2024, about 250,000 people gathered for the Christmas lunch in more than 600 cities and 71 countries of the world: https://www.santegidio.org/pageID/30156/langID/en/CHRISTMAS-LUNCH.html (accessed March 24, 2026).

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