Let’s imagine it’s your wedding day. A distant cousin’s +1 date seats himself at the head table before the family arrives, never mind the actually wedding party. How does your family respond? How do the other guests respond? What about the father-of-the-bride? Surely he'd have something to say!
Now imagine the bride and groom seat that same distant cousin’s +1 date at the head table with them. They bring him into the place of honour, even though nobody knows him. How does your family respond then? The other guests? The father-of-the-bride?
You see, there’s a massive heart condition difference between assuming a place of honour and being invited into a place of honour. We all respond differently!
Today, from Luke's Gospel, Jesus begins instruction with “When you are invited to a wedding…” bringing about an important discussion on who receives the place of honour.