Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 15, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and 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 he 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. The king 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 the parable from today’s gospel reading taken from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us of the Almighty Father’s desire that we be included in the heavenly banquet. However, those invited rejected the LORD’s invitation and even mistreated the messengers. This would represent the rejection of the LORD’s call and the message of the prophets. When those originally called, the people of the covenant, rejected the LORD’s call, the invitation was extended to others, here referring to possibly the Gentiles. The significance of the man without a wedding garment is the man’s failure to take the invitation seriously; while he showed up, he did so lacking commitment.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I responding to the LORD’s invitation for life in abundance in Him, with Him, and through Him?

Praying:

LORD, I do believe. I long for life in You and with You. Through the gifts of your Spirit, strengthen my resolve to live as You created me to live, to live as you call me to live, to respond to You as You invite me to life with You. Amen.