First Reading: (Judges 11:29–39)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40)
Response: “See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.”
Gospel: (Matthew 22:1–14)
“Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Meditation Theme: Many are called but few are chosen
The parable of the wedding banquet in today’s Gospel touches us in many ways. God Himself has given us the invitation to the banquet of heaven. It is not His will that anyone should be lost, but that all may share in eternal life.
But first, what is this banquet?
It is the beautiful kingdom of heaven, described by the prophet Isaiah: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a banquet of rich food and choice wines for all peoples.”
It is also the marriage feast of the Lamb in the Book of Revelation, when the Bride has made herself ready.
Finally, it is experienced here and now in every Holy Mass, at the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist, a foretaste of that heavenly banquet.
Everyone is invited. But we are also called to go out and invite others:
Those who have not heard the Word of God.
Those who have drifted away from the faith.
Our own family members, neighbors, and colleagues who live without reference to God.
If we have already tasted the goodness of the Lord, then like the servants in the parable, we have a mandate to extend the invitation to others.
Yet we must also examine ourselves. Some who are baptized and confirmed, even communicants, do not approach the Eucharist because they feel unworthy. Their wedding garment has been stained by sin. This parable reminds us of the importance of repentance and the sacrament of confession, so that we may put on again the garment of grace.
How can we serve this invitation?
By our lives: A holy life attracts others to Christ more than words.
By our words: Encouragement, exhortation, and gentle correction can invite others to conversion.
By sharing the Gospel: Passing along reflections, meditations, or even recounting the Sunday Gospel with someone who missed Mass is an act of evangelization.
We may never know how many souls we touch by our witness. Perhaps a family member returns to church, perhaps a co-worker changes their ways. Every act of faith can serve as a personal invitation to the Lord’s banquet.
God bless you 🙏
Pal Ronnie
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