1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4,5,6 (please click on #99297 to listen to the setting, words are at bottom of page)
2nd Reading: Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
We are invited to the banquet of the Lord! Will we accept the invitation, or are we too busy with everyday matters to RSVP our attendance and plan for that date? Do we have the appropriate attire to attend the banquet, for proper attire is required! Jesus is warning us of the sad consequences of not arriving at the banquet in the “wedding garment”.
What is the “wedding garment” of which Jesus speaks? The Book of Revelation describes the redeemed as wearing robes that have been made white “in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). Those who have been baptized into Christ, who have immersed themselves in the gospel message of Jesus’ death and resurrection, will be privileged to join the Lord at his glorious banquet!
We have received the wedding garment at our baptism, but have we kept that garment clean? Every day God wants us to put on that garment, the holiness of Christ, and allow it to influence the way we think and act.
Our lives keep us busy with mundane daily tasks and responsibilities and unforeseen complications that crop up and we become consumed in these matters and can’t be bothered to think about the feast that awaits us in heaven. Jesus gives us a peek at that feast every time we celebrate Mass where we feast on his word and receive his body and blood. Mass plus the grace of Reconciliation keeps our wedding garments clean for the final banquet!
The first reading from Isaiah describes the heavenly feast provided by the Lord and all His saving graces! Every Day we have an opportunity to consume the word of God and at every Eucharist we have an opportunity to partake of the very God of the universe. Can we do anything that would deepen the presence of the Lord in our prayer and in the Eucharist?
The Psalm offers us words of great comfort “For you are at my side”. Do we only ask God for help in trying times? Do we consult God about our decisions? Or do we rely solely on our own knowledge and wisdom? How can we involve God more in our daily lives so that He is ALWAYS at our side?
In the second reading from Philippians Paul tells us “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Do we ask for God’s strength in those trying times? Do we include God in our happy times? By involving God in our daily lives we can more easily draw upon His strength because, as Paul also says, “My God will fully supply whatever you need”.
In the Gospel story a man arrives at the wedding feast who is without a wedding garment and he is removed to the darkness outside. We should consider our own garments and ask ourselves if we have the proper garments and if so are they still clean and white? We wouldn’t want to arrive at the banquet without our garments or in dirty ill-used garments!