“... those bowed down are raised up... Rich and poor alike are invited to the Feast ...”
With the exception of the guest who was removed from the wedding feast in a parable because he did not show respect for the invitation by wearing a suitable wedding garment, Jesus speaks and acts consistently. He welcomes and feeds those who are present and hungry. Even Judas was given a place at the table where he would dip into the dish with Jesus before leaving to betray him.
The Apostles would follow with great faith and devotion this path to those who were hungry and in need. In fact, they would institute what we know as the Order of Deacons so that this important work would be done with apostolic zeal even as the ministry of presiding and teaching would demand more and more of the time and energy of the presiders and overseers.
This holiday weekend, our nation recalls and celebrates Labor Day. The leaders of the Labor Movement of the 19th Century claimed Labor Day to mark its significant accomplishments toward safer working conditions and more just rewards for all workers. They did so with great elements of public celebration in New York on September 5, 1882. It became a federal holiday in 1894, and the Labor Department would be created some 20 years later.
This movement from the grass roots would help to create a container of safety for all workers, limiting the hours that could be required of workers to a 40 hour work week, requiring a wage that would be more just for workers and not simply the whim of employers, and legal protection of children, who were so easily exploited. This might be a holiday of great meaning for us as Catholic Christians. No earthly entity gets it right all the time, especially when politics are involved.. but any effort to bring everyone to the table can be right and just.