In today's lesson, Jesus is a guest at a party where everyone is jockeying for the best seats. He tells the guests a story to try to help them understand that hospitality isn't about "position" or showing off one's status. In fact, he goes so far as to challenge them to invite those who can't return the favor -- those who are forgotten, who don't normally get invited, who are in need.

As you can imagine, Jesus isn't just talking about manners. He is challenging us to lives where our concern is for others, and not just for ourselves. For as the Albert Schweitzer pointed out, that's where the real joy is.