Thursday, August 23, 2007

Wedding Feast

And Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king, who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants, to call them that were invited to the marriage; and they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come ye to the marriage. But they neglected, and went their own ways, one to his farm, and another to his merchandise.

And the rest laid hands on his servants, and having treated them contumeliously, put them to death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry, and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests.

And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith to him: Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? But he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:1-14 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father what a parable to ponder. Many are called but few are chosen. I am reminded how many of us are called but do not always respond. But I am also reminded of the many that did respond and went to the wedding feast. Very many are truly called but in the ones that are chosen I am also reminded of those who down through the years have become Saints. This parable dear Father reminds me of how we refuse to answer the call to do your will, and how we miss out on the banquet. Since we fail to come on your invitation when invited, it's only fair that you seek out others. We lose out on the finest banquet ever given, but then we also lose out on becoming one of the select few who become the chosen ones, those who not only ended up being asked but they also came prepared by doing your will. May I in my small way live my life doing your will, so that when you call upon me to come dine at your banquet you will find me prepared. What a banquet it would be if we were all to prepare and be ready to come when the invitation comes to us. What a blessing that day would be. Amen

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