The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." While it is true that—in the eyes of God—we are all "equal," in fact, our bodies, our health, and our opportunities during life are not "equal." Some live lives that seem nothing shy of "charmed," while other's the exact opposite. There are always those who seem tremendously blessed, while others seem to battle one challenge and misfortune after another. Truly, our lives and experiences are very unequal, and not all have the opportunities of the "blessed."

As we're all quite aware, the world can be "cliquish"—and we all have our friends and peer groups. And yet, in our verse for today, Jesus encourages—no, commands—us to expand our circle of friends. He tells us that when we feast, when we throw a party, rather than inviting the same old crowd, we should invite those who are poor, or who have some "special need" or "handicap."

Jesus points out that your "friends" can always "recompense" you by brining the traditional bottle of wine or desert to the party—or they will surely invite you to their own celebration in the not-too-distant future. However, Jesus reminds us that the poor, the maimed, or the blind, "cannot recompense you" (Luke 14:14). So, your invitation to them can only be one offered out of love, and not because of some reciprocal arrangement.

Oh, sure, there are good feelings that come when we bless others. As the Lord explains: "you will be happy and blessed" if you invite them to your "feast," and you will "be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14) Nonetheless, Jesus' commission here is to expand our circle, and to embrace the unfortunate, because Christ embraces and blesses us each and every day of our lives.