Luke 14:11 — Community Reflections

LUKE 14:11 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted — the principle beneath the parable: self-exaltation produces humiliation; self-humbling produces exaltation. The principle applies in social settings (the dinner), in the kingdom's ethics (the Beatitudes), and in the eschatological judgment.

Church Fathers on Luke 14:11

First the dropsical man is cured, in whom the abundant discharges of the flesh crushed down the powers of the soul quenched the ardor of the Spirit. Next, humility is taught, when at the nuptial feast the desire of the highest place is forbidden. As it is said, And he spoke, Sit not down in the highest room.
Ambrose · 4th century

For to rush forward hastily to honors which are not fitting for us, indicates rashness. and casts a slur upon our actions. Hence it follows, lest a more honorable man than you be invited, &c.
Cyril of Alexandria · 5th century

And so the seeker of honor obtained not that which he coveted, but suffered a defeat, and busying himself how he might be loaded with honors, is treated with dishonor. And because nothing is of so much worth as modesty, He leads His hearer to the opposite of this; not only for- him to seek the highest place, but bidding him search for the lowest. As it follows; But when you are bidden go and sit down in the lowest room.
Chrysostom · 4th century

Read all 9 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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