The theme of today’s readings would appear to be the qualities required of someone seeking the Kingdom of God. We are all too well aware today of people who feel that greatness lies in dominating other people and trumpeting one’s own worth. The Book of Ecclesiasticus dates from around the second century BC, and was written by a Hellenistic Jewish scribe. It is the longest of the Wisdom books and deals extensively with how to lead a good life and confronting the problems that may arise.
Jesus was confronting a society, where - like today - its leaders struggled with one another for power and influence. Of course a table has no top or bottom; superior positions live in the imagination. The Bible is rich in imagery, which make these concepts more vivid. The grandiose red dragon of the Apocalypse (Revelation 12), who has seven crowned heads, symbolises Satan and his destructive power but also that of imperial Rome. The figure of the Lamb however, who appears continually in the Apocalypse, is of a meek, humble creature; yet it is he who holds the real power.
Jesus was trying to get across this lesson at the meal to which he had been invited. A banquet is often used as a symbol of the Kingdom, where God provides good things for his faithful. Humility is not the grovelling of an Uriah Heep but a realistic self-esteem and self-acceptance, secure in the loving hands of God. Giving to those who can not reciprocate is the kind of service required as a disciple of Jesus.