28th Sunday of Ordinary Time (12.10.14)<\/p>\n
THE WEDDING FEAST\/ and THE WEDDING GARMENT \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n Today\u2019s Gospel tells us about some people who refused an invitation to a wedding feast, and about others who accepted it.<\/p>\n The king in this parable is the figure of God \u2013 the generous host who knows how to throw a good party \u2013 \u201c a banquet of rich food and fine wines\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 The servants He sends to the invited guests represent the prophets of Israel.\u00a0 Those who refuse to come are the chosen people of Israel.\u00a0 The second invitation underlines the patience of God, giving room for a change of heart.\u00a0 Finally, the extension of the invitation to the highways and byways represents the carrying of the Good news to the gentiles, after Christ has been rejected by the Jewish people.<\/p>\n The King welcomed all those who were properly dressed, and commanded\u00a0 those who did not bother to make an effort to prepare themselves for this momentous occasion to stand outside and look on at the joy they had lost. We are here today because God, in his love, has invited us, and we have accepted his invitation. God is continually inviting us to a banquet of a fuller, deeper and more spiritual life \u2013 a life worthy of our dignity as His sons and daughters, who in turn \u2013 with His grace \u2013 strive in whatever capacity we might find ourselves during our journey through this mortal life, to share a feast of faith, hope and love; of freedom , security and peace;\u00a0 of truth and life;\u00a0 of goodness and\u00a0 holiness with those with whom we come in contact along the way.<\/p>\n This call may be very gentle and seemingly insignificant in that is sounds so ordinary \u2013 Perhaps the best description of a proper wardrobe for a Christian is given us by the apostle Paul. \u201cYou are God\u2019s chosen race, his saints.\u00a0\u00a0 He loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience\u2026.Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love.\u00a0 And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.\u00a0 (Cor 3: 12-15)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time (12.10.14) THE WEDDING FEAST\/ and THE WEDDING GARMENT \u2013 Today\u2019s Gospel tells us about some people who refused an invitation to a wedding feast, and about others who accepted it. The king in this parable … Continue reading
\nThe wedding garment\u00a0 denotes the condition for entering the feast is readiness or conversion.
\nAt the final judgment, only those clothed in goodness will be invited to the banquet of life.
\nIt behoves us then to prepare ourselves\u00a0 and stand ready to meet our Lord and Saviour when our turn comes to enter that great feast.<\/p>\n
\nHowever, mere presence is not enough.\u00a0\u00a0 The spirit in which we come is very\u00a0 important.
\nWe pray for the wisdom to accept this invitation in a spirit of thankfulness and joy.<\/p>\n
\n\u2026there is that letter I know I ought to write, but right now I\u2019m not in the humour\u2026
\n\u2026that still small voice is calling me to visit that sick person, but my favourite programme is on television\u2026
\n\u2026.I know I ought to be more charitable towards that person, but nobody else can get along with her either\u2026
\n\u2026I know I ought to spend some time in prayer, but I\u2019m so busy during the day and dog-tired at night.
\n\u2026the list is endless\u2026..<\/p>\n
\nIf we wear the clothes he describes, we will be accepted to the banquet:-<\/p>\n