“When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’” (Luke 14:7-11)  Last Sunday’s gospel lesson was a healing story and also a story about shame.  In it, the healed woman was restored to face-to-face encounters.  Jesus transformed her status of shame.  At the same time, religious leaders saw their status diminished by their refusal to celebrate Christ’s power regardless of how he exercised it.  They hang their heads as the story concludes.  Here we see the general call to all of us to let go of our faulty honor systems and instead join Jesus in the low places.  Ultimately, the reason to take the less honorable seat is that that is where we will meet Jesus.  He, the one who had all honor and authority, set it aside in order to redeem the dishonorable. You know, folks like you and me.  Our Lord not only saves us from things that would harm us, but he also saves us to a new way of being. What seat will you take today and will you find Jesus waiting for you there?  Have a great week!