“Blessed are you, if they cannot pay you.” Lk.14:1.7-14

Jesus has been invited by a Pharisee, but He feels free to suggest to him whom he should invite in the future. “He does not reject family and friendly relationships, which He himself practiced. What He criticizes is that they are always the priority and exclusive ones. To those who enter into the dynamics of the Kingdom of God, seeking a more human and fraternal world, Jesus reminds them that welcoming the poor and helpless must come before self-interested relationships and social conventions.” (Pagola) It is not easy to walk the path of gratuitousness. Our self claims its rights: applause, “being liked”, recognition in something material… It is necessary for us to exercise ourselves in small gestures of giving without expecting anything in return; help without being seen; to fulfill the task in silence; give up small advantages; give of our time… Today let us meditate on that other beatitude so dear to Jesus: “Blessed are those who live for others without receiving reward: the Father in heaven will reward them.” (Lk 14:14)