20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Many are invited, but few are chosen.

Weddings are joyous occasions. Recall that Jesus’ first miracle—his first sign of the good news of salvation—happened at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)! But in today’s parable, a king makes elaborate preparations for the wedding feast of his son, yet many refuse his invitation. What’s going on here?

Jesus was trying to make clear that he had come to gather his people and usher in a new, heavenly kingdom. If those invited to join him chose not to come, then he would find people who would—even if it meant going to unexpected places to find them.

So who were those guests who rejected the invitation to the royal banquet? Many of Jesus’ own people—among them many of Israel’s religious and political leaders. And who were the ones who accepted the invitation? Many other Jews, including the poor, along with “public sinners” like tax collectors and prostitutes. Over time, even Gentiles, who were not part of God’s covenant people, began to come and join the celebration!

What about us? God’s invitation to us isn’t just once and done. Every day, he calls us to celebrate the wedding feast of his son. Every day he invites us to enter into his joy. Whether it’s in the more private celebration of personal prayer or the communal celebration of the Mass, God is welcoming us into his presence, where we can know his joy and feast on his word.

Today, ask yourself, “Am I listening for the Lord’s invitation? Am I prepared to accept it?” If you’re hesitating, think about what might be holding you back. Maybe it’s time to reexamine your priorities. Perhaps lesser things have subtly crept into your life, and it’s time to again put God and his kingdom back at the center. Or maybe anxiety over your child, your job, or your finances is preventing you from even expecting an invitation to the banquet of the Lord.

Whatever it might be, recommit yourself to your heavenly Father so that you don’t miss out on what he has for you. He longs to draw you into the richness of his wedding feast. May nothing hold you back!

“Father, give me the grace to accept your invitation, today and every day.”

Ezekiel 36:23-28
Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19
Matthew 22:1-14