Luke 14:12-14
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
That's another bible rule more honoured in the breach than the observance.
Are you a Christian?
When was the last time you gave a banquet for the poor?
Did you even know that's what you're supposed to do?
Did you notice anything about that text? Jesus is not telling his followers to feed the poor and the crippled because it is a nice thing to do. He knows his audience well and understands that they wouldn't lift a finger to help anyone unless the price is right - so he offers them a bribe: feed the 'untermensch' today and I'll let you join me in Paradise when you die.
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