In this parable, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of humility. He says, " When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him.” 

We usually understand humility to mean having a quiet demeanor full of respect; not showing off; remaining silent... According to this common idea, it is better not to speak or act. We must not become important or famous. After all, we are only human and sinners! For this reason, it is kinder to choose a position below, in a hidden place, in darkness.

Because of this idea of humility, even if we are good at dancing, we should not dance. If we are good at singing, it is better not to show it. We can study, but we hide our intelligence. If possible, we should disappear! But is this right? Doesn't Jesus want us to use and develop our talents? Doesn't he encourage us to be active in loving rather than being passive and disappearing?

Moreover, people often don't want to express themselves, not because they are humble, but because they are afraid of embarrassment if they fail. They are afraid of being judged and of losing face. But this is actually pride, not humility! They don't want to put themselves forward because they want to present a beautiful image of themselves to others. So, they only act when they are sure they will receive approval and validation. This is false humility!

So, what does Christian humility mean? Firstly, we should not belittle our talents. These gifts come from God. They are beautiful and useful. Therefore, we must not destroy or hide them. At the same time, we must recognize that we did not create these talents ourselves. They belong to God. Christian humility means acknowledging that God, not ourselves, is the source of our talents and abilities. God has entrusted us with these gifts so that we can multiply them by loving Him and our neighbors.

Moreover, the Gospel reminds us that we should not base our dignity and happiness on the validation we receive from others, so that if we do not receive approval, we can survive and endure the disappointment. In this way, our serenity will be founded on solid ground and will not depend so much on the approval and support we receive from others. Our stability will come from within, from our soul. In fact, we do not need to seek validation anywhere because God gives it to us by offering us the dignity of being His children! Although the approval of others can be helpful, we should remember that it merely confirms our belief that God sees us as princes and princesses — as children of the King of kings. This is who we truly are! This is why we don't need to sit with the VIPs to feel validated. We are already super VIPs!

It is because of our royal dignity that, when we hold a reception, we dare to “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” They won't reward us, and they will probably forget to say “thank you” at the end of the party. But that does not matter. Our reward comes from our Father, who keeps on telling me and you: “You are my child, and I love you immensely!”