Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Receiving the Invitation
“Invite to the feast whomever you find.”
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus reveals the surprising generosity of the Kingdom of heaven. The first guests disregard the invitation. Some are too preoccupied with their own affairs; others respond with hostility. Yet the king will not allow the banquet hall to remain empty. He sends his servants into the streets with the command: “Invite to the feast whomever you find.”
The result is remarkable. The hall is filled with “good and bad alike.” No one is invited because of merit or social standing. All are welcomed because of the king’s generosity. It is a wedding banquet for his son. This is the heart of the Gospel. God desires all to be saved, rejoicing in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Yet the parable does not end there. The guest without a wedding garment is an example of accepting the wedding invitation but not changing one’s appearance. It means we need to allow ourselves to be transformed. We do not earn a place at the banquet, but neither do we remain unchanged by it.
The Kingdom of Heaven is both a gift and a call. God welcomes us before we deserve it, then patiently clothes us with the life of His Son. Our challenge is to accept His invitation with a grateful heart and be converted by His grace.
For the Journey:
God’s invitation is always a call to become someone new. How is God calling you today?
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections