Invited to the Feast – How do We Respond?

Each of us, individually and as communities, is invited at all times to enter the presence of  the Lord, the Kingdom of God. If you are reading this, you are still on the earthly side of the Kingdom, as am I as I write it. Nevertheless, the Kingdom encompasses much more than any of us has ever experienced. It stretches from the moment we come into being to our entry into eternity and beyond. We are always invited to enter more deeply into the Kingdom through the events of our lives – the people we meet, the places we go, the things we learn, the work we do. All are doors that open a bit and let us glimpse the greatness of the Lord’s presence in everything and every moment.

When I was in college, I was walking across campus one day and met a “friend,” actually more of an acquaintance. This friend invited me to a prayer gathering. I was hesitant – he was one of those “Jesus people” who were living communally or just barely off the streets. Many had been hippies and drug users. Most were not well educated. Not at all the kind of people I had been raised to respect or with whom I was to be associated! I declined the invitation.

A bit later, another friend and I crossed paths. This friend was a nun who was studying on campus. She also invited me to the prayer gathering. Again, I declined. Not going to get involved with those things or those people.

As I continued on my way, I had one of those experiences that are totally unexpected. The thought came into my mind, “That’s a strange way to deal with two invitations I’ve just given you!” What? Wait! Those were from YOU?

A few days later, I went to the prayer gathering. It was different from what I had expected, but not in any bad way. Peaceful. Joyful. Prayerful. And filled with friendship and mutual caring. I went to many more through the next few years and met some wonderful people along the way, including the man I eventually married!

As Jesus neared the end of his ministry, he told a story about the Kingdom of Heaven and who would be welcomed there. Ordinary people living in Jerusalem probably assumed, as I had, that their ordinary lives of working and praying at regular times and places, along with their family and friends, was what was expected of them by the Lord. Follow the teachings of the religious leaders, whose guidance was very precise and not to be ignored. Then all would be well.

But Jesus presented a different picture. A King’s son was to be married, a Prince. High born members of the ruling class locally and in surrounding Kingdoms were invited to the wedding feast. It was a great honor to be invited. The King expected all would be delighted to join him and his family. But one after another, the invited guests sent their regrets. “It’s harvest time.” “I have just gotten married myself and can’t leave my wife.” “I just got some new cattle and can’t leave them yet.” One by one, all the invited guests declined the invitation, even when the King sent his servants to remind them. Some even went so far as to kill the servants sent to remind them!

The king was very surprised and dismayed. He punished those who had killed the servants,  but there still had to be a feast and guests to celebrate the marriage. The food had been purchased. The entertainers had been hired. Clothing was ready. Guests with whom to celebrate were necessary.

He sent his servants out to all the roads into and out of the city with instructions to bring everyone they met into the hall to celebrate with him and the family. As part of the deal, the new guests were given the fancy wedding clothes which would have been given to the wealthier guests who had originally been invited. This was customary and not inexpensive.

When the King arrived at the banquet hall, all were ready, clothed in new finery, and ready to celebrate. All, that is, except one. One person had refused to change into the fine clothes presented to him. The King was amazed and dismayed and insulted. He ordered that the man be tied up and removed from the banquet hall – tossed out into the dark, because he refused the invitation and all it brought.

Jesus concluded his story with the words, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt 22:1-14)

These words could be taken to imply that the Lord is picky and only chooses a few of those who are initially invited into a closer life with him. But what if that is just what we as humans might do? What if instead the Lord’s invitation is such that each of us must choose whether to accept or not? What if our actions open or close the doors for our entry or exclusion from the feast?

The Prophet Isaiah spoke to Israel before the conquest of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon, promising that the Lord would provide for all on His holy mountain, destroying the barriers that separate us (the veil that covers and isolates us from each other) and providing comfort and forgiveness to all, an end to the “reproach” and tears that characterize our interactions with each other. Isaiah calls us to remember “the Lord for whom we looked” and rejoice that he has saved us. Like the King who calls in everyone from the highways to join him in a great banquet, the Lord provides for those who accept his help and love, sharing it with others in celebration. (Is 25:6-10a)

In daily life, we learn to trust that the Lord’s love is the most important thing. As St. Paul noted as he thanked the Philippians for sending a gift to help support his ministry, the Lord provides for us as we reach out to each other. (Phil 4:12-14, 19-20)

These readings speak volumes to us today if we apply them to the world in which we are living. Some will say that only a few are chosen and welcome in their communities and countries. Some will say that those who dress differently or speak other languages or have different customs should be excluded. Some will say that borders must be carefully guarded against all who might come, regardless of the reasons they have come. Some will say the lives of peoples in other lands are less important than those of people here. And some will even say that the Lord calls us to some sort of “holy war” to defeat his enemies and bring about the end of time.

But is that really what we see in the readings? Does the King exclude anyone who comes and enters into the celebration? Only the one who refused to enter the celebration (by putting on the new clothing) was excluded.

What does the King expect of his people? Jesus told us that too in other times and places. Feed the hungry. Welcome the stranger. Give the thirsty something to drink. Care for the sick. Visit prisoners. Forgive those who have hurt us. Refuse to return evil for evil.

How will people and nations who refuse to follow these guidelines be treated? Will they find peace and security? Or will they enter into a time of ever greater conflict and destruction?

We are called to look around carefully in our lives as individuals and members of a world community. How can we be part of the solution? How do we reach out and care for those who cannot protect themselves? How do we work for peace?

We have been invited to the banquet. How do we respond? This is our call today.

Pray with me this week that we may be or again become a welcoming people who care for those we meet and reach out in love in our daily lives. May we withhold judgement of others and with them put on the wedding garments, so we are able to enter into the celebration of Love together.

Readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

(Image found on various internet sources – unknown artist)