28th Sunday of Ordinary Times
We are Invited to a Banquet, NOT a Funeral
Readings for:28th Sunday of Ordinary Times, Year A
Reading 1 Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Reading 2 Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel Matthew 22:1-14
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
Theme of the Sunday: We Are Invited to a Banquet, Not to a Funeral.
The banquet theme joins together the first reading and the Gospel. The banquet is the symbol of the happiness and joy present in the kingdom of God. The first reading tells us of a promise, the Gospel tells us of its actualization. IF the banquet has already begun(with the coming of the Messiah), why do we still have so much hatred, so many wars, deaths all over the world? Yes, the feast has begun, but the Kingdom is still awaiting its full attainment. The second is also connected with this theme. We are given the example of the community at Philippi where there is authentic love and where a completely new life has really begun, the help and the gifts sent to Paul are proof of this.
Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel speaks of a great banquet a King prepared for his son’s wedding. Those previously invited suddenly found excuses not to come to the banquet. Considering the killing of the king’s servants, it appears to be some kind of rebellion against the king. However, the king was determined to celebrate his son’s wedding - so he filled the banquet hall with whomever could be found.Like today’s Church, God’s Kingdom would be made up of a coming together of many people from various lands. The main lesson to be learned is that admission to the kingdom is not enough to guarantee getting to stay in it. God wants us to be part of his kingdom, but being part of the kingdom requires a certain response, certain expectations that the king has of us. St. Gregory the Great said, “The marriage is the wedding of Christ and his Church; the garment is someone who believes in the Church but does not have charity.” The Kingdom of God is a life in love with God and neighbor. We may not always meet all that is expected of us, but our kind is merciful and forgiving if we turn to him, and he will help us if we ask.
