Who doesn’t want to be first? Who among us prefers to patiently wait while the corner-pieces of birthday cake are gobbled up by those who were first to answer the dinner bell? This seems like a lesson we could do without, except it is not about banquets or chow lines or even a greedy approach to the dessert tray.

It’s about our self-importance.

Even if you take religion out of the equation (and that’s hard to do) all of the misery in the world can be traced back to someone’s feeling of self-importance.

“Exceptionalism” is a singularly dangerous position. It sets up provocative displays of superiority. It generates anxiety and promotes aggression. There is nothing worse for personal or international relations that the phrase ‘I am/we are the greatest’

A clever quotation has been making the rounds – “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Attributed, in true social media fashion, to long dead statesmen or humourists, no one really knows where this quote comes from.

This is a wonderful quote to use when coaching children. When trying to get kids to focus on a particular skill, it doesn’t help to say “Jane does this better. Be like Jane.” That means Judy can’t take any satisfaction in the progress she has made. In those moments, comparison IS the thief of joy.’ In this context, the phrase reminds us that it is okay to be delighted in the thing itself – in our progress, not matter how small the achievement seems. Competition is not for the practice floor. Game time is when comparison really unfolds. That’s why we keep score and follow the standings. Comparison is what makes the playoffs exciting (and Blue Jay’s fans nervous.)

But I would like us to put our attitudes around comparison & competition to a ‘Jesus test.’

This morning’s gospel has long been held up as a lesson in pious humility. “Don’t get too big for your britches…’ we say – claiming Jesus as our authority. But this lesson is not so one-dimensional.

First, the guests are advised against assuming too much. Your invitation is not an opportunity to get higher in the social structure. You do not know what surprises may be lurking on the guest list. You don’t know how you may compare to the rest of the guests. Stay in the moment. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Enjoy the party, and let the host do their job.

The host knows who is invited. The host alone knows the plans for this party. It’s very likely, since this is a Jesus story, that the host will turn social convention on its head and seat people according to something other than their net worth, or the printed ticket price. So, guests are warned about seeking personal satisfaction.

Guests are warned about the dangers of comparison (I deserve that seat more than they do). The guests are told to let what happens, happen. You will either sit at the back, or at the head table, or somewhere in between. The good news is, no matter what, you’re at the party.

Then, the host – who is a person of some standing – is warned as well. The host is challenged to consider what’s in it for them is all they do is invite folks who can return the favour? Comparison of a different kind rears its head. Someone looking for a favour – wanting to be part of the ‘in crowd’ – these are natural reactions, but not reflective of the kingdom of the Holy Household that Jesus represents

Now I don’t want to diminish the joy we get from having our achievements praised, or from being honoured by an invitation to the top table. Those moments are very special. The danger is in seeking that fleeting feeling at the expense of others.

This extended parable warns us against the competitive comparison that pits us against one another. Jesus’ words warn us against the ‘us against them’ patterns that rule so many of our interactions socially, economically and politically.

Maybe comparison is the thief of joy because comparison is also the enemy compassion and the tool that helps us ignore (or deny) our shared humanity. And maybe Jesus is offering a more modern lesson than we once thought.

Humility is Jesus’ watchword. Humility is the thing much to be desired in relation to God and our fellow citizens. Jeremiah calls lack of such humility our fatal flaw, for which divine punishment is assured.

Jesus reminds us that humility makes everyone’s lives better. Jesus would have us know that the Kingdom he proclaims is not a hierarchy. He invites us to find joy in the moment, not because of our assigned status, but because of our shared enterprise.

Following Jesus, we may yet discover that when we stop trying so hard to steal the spotlight, it turns out that there is enough light for everyone.