The Lord’s invitation
EZEKIEL 36:23-28; PSALM 51; MATTHEW 22:1-14
The Gospel reading presents us with the parable of the wedding feast. This parable conveys a message about the Kingdom of God.
Like those invited to a wedding feast we are all invited to the Kingdom of God. However, to gain entrance we must be dressed in the wedding garment. That is, we must live a life worthy of the Kingdom. Rev 19:8 says the garment is the rightous deeds of the saints. Amplified version puts it this way “She has been permitted to dress in fine linen, dazzling white and clean—for the fine linen signifies the righteous acts of the saints [the ethical conduct, personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character of believers].” Job 29:14: Describes righteousness as a garment and justice as a robe and turban.
Garments are righteous deeds, in this kingdom, if there is no repentance, there will be no entrance.
Again, the gospel says that “none of those who were initially invited bother to attend.” Beloved, if we dishonour the Lord’s invitation He will dishonour us on the last day. Therefore, let us be faithful to our Christian vocation.
Ezekiel prophesied in the first reading, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me.” Without a new heart and a steadfast spirit, we cannot dethrone lukewarmness and spiritual apathy.
St. Bernard whose memorial we celebrate today was a monk, abbot and Doctor of the Church. He founded Clairvaux Abbey, reformed Cistercian monastic life, and advised popes. Known for his devotion to Jesus and Mary and his powerful writings.
Prayer
Cast us not away from your presence, oh Lord and take not your Holy Spirit from us, restore unto us the joy of your salvation and renew a right spirit within us. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
