Reflect today on your willingness to invite Jesus into the house of your heart

On the Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and people watched him closely. Luke 14: 1

This line, from the beginning of today's Gospel, reveals two things that are worth reflecting on.

First, Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. This was no small thing. Indeed, it was most likely the source of much discussion between the people and the other Pharisees. It shows us that Jesus does not play favorites. He didn't just come for the poor and the weak. He also came for the conversion of the rich and powerful. Too often we forget this simple fact. Jesus came for all people, he loves all people and responds to the invitations of all those who want to have him in their life. Of course, this passage also reveals that Jesus was not afraid to come to the home of this prominent Pharisee and challenge him and his guests in order to prompt them to change their minds.

Second, this passage states that people were "watching closely". Maybe some were just curious and looking for something to talk about later with their friends. But others were most likely watching Him closely because they really wanted to understand Him. They could tell that there was something unique about Jesus and they wanted to know more about him.

These two lessons should encourage us to realize that Jesus loves us and will respond to our openness to His presence in our life. All we have to do is ask and be open to Him who comes to "dine" with us. We should also learn from the testimony of those who watched him closely. They reveal to us the good desire we should have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Although some who watched Him closely turned against Him and mocked Him, others watched Him closely and embraced Jesus and His message.

Reflect today on your willingness to invite Jesus into the house of your heart and into the situation of your life. Know that he will accept any invitation you offer. And as Jesus comes to you, give him your full attention. Observe everything he says and does and let his presence and message become the foundation of your life.

Lord, I invite you into my heart. I invite you in every situation of my life. Please come and dwell with me in my family. Come and dwell with me at work, among friends, in my troubles, in my despair and in all things. Help my attention to You and your will and lead me to all that you have in store for my life. Jesus I believe in you.