the Uninvited...

One time, a wedding banquet was held in a small town otherwise known as a "barrio". Family members, relatives and close friends were especially present as the important guests . But when it was already time to eat, they were surprised to have seen so many uninvited ones also dining with them. In spite of that, the food being served was good enough to feed everybody including the unexpected ones. However, the hosts still couldn't help but vehemently react against the uninvited after the occasion. They murmured, grumbled and despised over their presence.

Living in a barrio like in the Philippines, it normally occurs (so far in my personal observation) that even the uninvited ones would come and eat too every time a special event is being held . But since they are not expected as part of the celebration, they are tagged as "gatecrashers". In so many instances in my life when I'd been a witness of different kinds of events, so far, I often see the hosts not really having welcoming outlook over the uninvited ones other than feeling indignant of them.

Going back to our Christian faith, I wonder if this is how we are taught about our values towards people especially when we know for a fact that the uninvited ones are those that could hardly get a complete meal in a day or even rarely to eat delicious foods. They're the poor ones in our community. Within our churches, we feel like its such a wonderful attributes to be able to show generosity, kindness and compassion towards our neighbor. But it's so sad to realize that these attributions are only within our thoughts but not in our actions and motives. Sometimes our understanding and concern only limit to our family circle and close friends and only them can too benefit what we have. At times, I cower over the thought that I too may have been guilty over that fact. And that the question I have in mind for others may likely be the question I would want to raise for myself. But God didn't say, "Love your family and friends as your self". He said, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself".

Looking back to the wedding banquet, I remember my grandfather when he was still alive. And that each time his children (my aunts & uncles) would complain about their neighbors who shamelessly dined with them even when they're uninvited during special occasions, he would simply say,"ok lang na, nakakaon man tanan..(that's ok, as long as everybody has eaten)".