Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 21, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope

Scripture Text:  Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s gospel reading, we hear Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast which symbolizes the Kingdom of heaven as a royal wedding banquet. Those initially invited, do not accept and some even mistreat the messengers. The invitation is extended to others who do come. However, the king orders that one who is not properly attired be removed.

The King is the Almighty Father. The Son is Jesus Christ. Those initially invited represent the nation of Israel who were too preoccupied with their own business and plans. Some even mistreated the messengers – the prophets. This led to the destruction of their city – Jerusalem when conquered by Assyria and Babylonia.

The King then extends the invitation to all the world – including the Gentiles. The upset at an improper wedding garment represents the LORD’s rightful expectation that those of us who wish to participate in the heavenly banquet prepare ourselves and put on righteousness.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How have I responded to the Almighty Father’s invitation?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we long to join the heavenly banquet. Send the Spirit to guide us on our earthly journey so that we may grow prayerfully in our relationship with You and your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.