Reciprocity

[A reflection on the Gospel read at Mass on the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 31, 2025. All the readings may be found at https://episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/proper-17c ]

Many years ago I saw a cartoon in the local paper where a woman lamented to her husband that her best friend had invited them to a fancy dinner party. He was puzzled why that would cause her grief, to which she replied, "But we would have to reciprocate! That's where the madness starts!"

Apparently, reciprocating dinner party invitations is a very old custom indeed, as Our Lord refers to it as he speaks to His listeners, many of whom likely did not move in high social circles but apparently were familiar with the custom. Why would Jesus suddenly become a First Century Emily Post, which seems just a bit out of character?

As always, Jesus was teaching His listeners, us included, fundamentals of life in the Kingdom of God in the context with which His followers were familiar. Sowing, harvest, vinedressing, housekeeping, fishing, and now social niceties become fodder for teaching us how we act and behave in the context of a relationship with God. He starts by discussing how we should approach taking our place, presuming nothing, and starting with the default of the lowest place in the Kingdom (here illustrated as the lowest place at the table). He moves quickly, however, from discussing pride of place to showing hospitality.

Our Lord told us not to invite those to our tables that would, by social convention, be obliged to return the favour. Instead, He enjoins us to open our tables to the poor, the destitute, the disabled, to any and all who were in a position of being unable to reciprocate. Jesus tells us to break the cycle and to care for those who cannot care for themselves, rather than to care for those who are more than capable of feeding themselves and others. That means leaving our comfort zones, our circles of friends and familiar faces, and extending hospitality to people we likely would much rather not acknowledge, people with whom we have little in common, who might smell a little "off," who might not be dressed to the nines, whose conversation may be a bit strange.

In His famous parable of the sheep and the goats, we heard from Our Lord that each time we cared for those who were in need, we were caring not just for them, but for the One who made them...and us. We showed hospitality not just to mortals, but to angels and even to the Triune God. We showed hospitality not only to those around us, but to Our Lord Himself.

Do you honestly think in this situation we shall not be repaid for our grace and kindness? The Lamb's High Banquet is being spread even as you read this. It will be more than repayment enough for all the good we do here on earth. It is more than just good things, however. For the love we give will be matched to overflowing by He Who IS Love in return. How could one say no?