Preparing For The Banquet
Saturday 10th October 2020
How could the poor man in the gospel story, Matthew 22:1-14, be expected to have the necessary clothes at such short notice when he was hauled off the street into a wedding reception? And he found himself in serious trouble as he was not suitably dressed for the occasion. The parable is not about wearing the right outfit at a wedding. The message goes much deeper because the banquet referred to is eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is saying that while God the Father has opened wide the doors of heaven and invited everybody into His kingdom, entrance is by no means automatic and should not be taken for granted.
We have got to work our passage to be spiritually prepared, and prove ourselves worthy of the invitation. The wedding garment is a symbol of a life in the footsteps of Christ. Our christening robe, pronounced that we were clothed in Christ. How are we living that life?
This gospel should cause us to pause and think about the wonderful future that is within our reach. It is telling us that God is longing for our homecoming. One thing necessary is to make sure that we will arrive safely by responding to His love. When in our daily lives we avail of the opportunities of sharing in Christ's life, by beginning our day with a prayer or asking his blessing, offering encouragement and support to our neighbours. We are extending this brief spell of Eucharistic celebration into every detail of our day. In this way we are not facing life alone. We are walking with one another and with Christ.
Stay healthy and safe.
Fr. Arsenio