Matthew 22, 1-10:
Sunday, 15th October 2023 (28 OT A)
“Jesus spoke again in parables to the chief priests and the elders of the people, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who was celebrating his son’s wedding. He sent servants to tell those who were invited, but they refused to go. Again he sent servants to tell them, “I have prepared the banquet, I have slaughtered calves and fattened cattle, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding. But the guests did not listen to him”.
Today Jesus continues to speak to us about God’s offer to us of his Kingdom. He also does so with a parable: that of the banquet offered by a king for the wedding of his son. The offer to enter the banquet is, in the first place, to the chosen people. And in the same way as on previous Sundays, the offer is rejected. This time the guests use various excuses to refuse the offer.
God’s plan for each one of us is full of joy, festivity and happiness (1st reading). But like the murderous tenants of last Sunday’s vineyard, the guests at this Sunday’s wedding have other interests. God’s plan does not suit them. They have a clear attitude of rejection of the Lord and his offer. And since the feast is to be held, “outsiders” are invited, anyone who wants to attend, anyone who will accept the offer. And the banquet will be filled with people and joy.
This parable should make us think about what are my interests, what things or attitudes prevent me from joyfully celebrating the presence of the Kingdom of God in our midst. We should also ask ourselves if we are living our following of Jesus, our belonging to the Kingdom of God, as a true celebration, or only as the mere fulfilment of rules that do not fill us with happiness. Feeling invited by God to live the feast of his Son should be a reason for joy and celebration. Is this the case?
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
Do you feel invited?
