First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a
Reflection:
This Sunday’s first reading and the gospel reading speak of a great feast or banquet. The imagery of a banquet is often used in Scripture to refer to God’s kingdom, that is, heaven. Here, the Prophet Isaiah speaks of a celebratory banquet on “this mountain,” which refers to Zion, the holy mountain in Jerusalem. He speaks of a future time when God “will destroy death forever” and the “veil/web” over the nations will be lifted. This indicates that this prophesy was fulfilled through Jesus. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God destroyed death and also opened the doorway for Gentiles (i.e. the non-Jewish nations) to join the people of God and, thus, be welcomed at the banquet of God. Jesus is the one for “whom we looked to save us.” He came to offer salvation to the world, including the Gentiles. In other words, Jesus came to invite all peoples to his heavenly banquet, so he can wipe away our tears and grant us true rest in him for all eternity.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Reflection:
In this passage from the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he recounts some of his experiences and evidences his total trust in the Lord. Paul experienced “humble circumstances” and “abundance.” We know from the New Testament that Paul, in fact, experienced a wide variety of circumstances, including great success and utter poverty. As he was writing these words, Paul was actually in prison, experiencing one of the more difficult circumstances in his life. Yet, in “every circumstance” Paul had learned to trust God. He recognized that all things are possible in Christ and that he can have strength in all circumstances because of the strength Christ offers him. Paul thanked the Philippian believers for their concern for him, while also ensuring them that he had everything he needs in Christ. He then reassured them that they also would have whatever they would need because God would fully supply it for them in Christ. Finally, Paul gave praise and glory to God as he concluded his beautiful letter to the Philippians.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14
Reflection:
In order to understand this parable properly, we must understand who each of the characters represent. God is the king who is calling the wedding feast. Jesus is the son, the bridegroom, for whom the wedding feast is being called. The feast itself represents eternal life and salvation, as it does also in the first reading. The first servants who sent out invitations represent the prophets of the Old Testament. The wedding guests who rejected the invitation and killed the servants represent the Israelites, for they often rejected God’s messengers. When Jesus came, He called new servants, who represent the Apostles, to invite new guests. They invited anyone and everyone, Gentiles included, to the feast. Thus, Israel’s rejection of God’s invitation opened the door for all the nations to be invited into the feast. That is why the Church Christ founded is called Catholic, which means universal, because all are invited to be a part of it. Yet, still some will reject the invitation and others will come but will not be prepared (as in the one not wearing a wedding garment), for they will not live in a manner worthy of the invitation they have received.
Application:
- We are all invited to the wedding feast. God offers salvation to all people, but that does not mean all people will be saved, because many will reject the invitation. Even those of us who receive the invitation must live in a way worthy of the feast. What changes do you need to make in your life to grow in holiness in order to be prepared for the wedding feast of heaven? Reflect on how you can clothe yourself more fully in righteousness and live in a way worthy of Christ’s invitation to holiness and heaven.
