Our Scripture readings challenge this attitude. Last Sunday Jesus spoke about the narrow gate which many would not be able to enter. Today’s readings describe a “festal gathering” of angel and saints (Heb 12:22) and a wedding banquet which prefigures the heavenly one. (Lk 14:14) Each of us is free to attend – or to stay away.

Let me give a comparison for what it would be like to be left out. Here in Seattle everyone (even non-sports fans like myself) knows the Mariners, for the first time, are on the way to the World Series. Imagine what a celebration that will be for our town! To remain aloof would take a particular sort of determination.

I was in Rome when Italy faced Brazil for the World Soccer Cup. Because of the time difference, the Italians watched the match in the middle of the night. The noise was so loud, no one could sleep. I didn’t mind because I had to stay up to cram for final exams. But also the excitement of the city was contagious. These kinds of events give a small, imperfect taste of what the heavenly banquet might be like, when we open our souls to Being itself. Who would want to be left out?

Yet it is possible to not enter. Jesus gives a reason why many stay away. Look who’s on the guest list: the poor, crippled, blind and lame. (Lk 14:13) I remember once visiting a parish to concelebrate Mass. Having arrived early, I knelt to pray. Shortly, a lady came into the same pew. By her determined look, I thought she was going to introduce herself to the visiting priest. Saying nothing she formed a wedge with her hands so I sat back to let her by. Evidently, I made the mistake of occupying her accustomed spot! We have all kinds at our Sunday Masses.

I don’t think this was what Jesus referred to when he spoke about being careful where you recline at the banquet. However, it does apply to the need for humility. Some of the other guests may bring us down a notch or two.

C.S. Lewis writes about his decision to attend Mass after his conversion to Christianity. A university don, he was suddenly sitting in the pews with people very different from himself. At first it was humbling, but little by little he realized how necessary for him to have communion with the lame, the crippled, the blind and the poor. Above all, to see his true self in them.

To enter the banquet requires an inner discipline. Archbishop Huntahusen used to point of that it is impossible to be a disciple without discipline. The two words are almost the same. But inner discipline, balanced with humility, is something only God can give it to us. We must allow him to work.

Last week I was with family of four children: a daughter four and a half, a son three, a baby girl of one year and the fourth in utero. After dinner I was playing with the children, letting them ride my back and giving them “floor spins.” As it got near bedtime, I was a little nervous because I remembered my nephews and nieces. Bedtime was always a battle. “Mom, can’t we stay up a little longer? Dad, just a few more minutes.”

When it was about 8:30, the mom said, “OK, kids time for bed.” They stopped playing, gave everyone in the room a kiss and marched upstairs to bed.

I was amazed, dumbfounded. “How did you do it?” I asked.

The mom said, “My husband is a good father. He believes in discipline.”

God is the very best of fathers. He knows we need discipline to be happy. The author of Hebrews says that is what our present sufferings and trials are all about. When you experience them, know that God loves you - and is preparing you for a place at his banquet.

**********