Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

A newspaper columnist expressed his chagrin at friends not responding to his  “e-vites” (e-mail invitations), even after repeated requests. He speculated that  some might have held off responding in case “something better” came along. 

Jesus tells a tale of invited guests refusing to come to a wedding feast for a  king’s son. This parable is aimed once again at the religious leaders, confronting  them with their refusal to accept him as one sent by God. Matthew’s violent version of the parable differs from Luke’s peaceful one (14:16–24), since it reflects  the destruction of Jerusalem that happened decades later. But it reminded both  communities that the invitation to the kingdom of God could be refused. 

Matthew also includes the expulsion of a man who comes in without a wedding  garment. This seems seem a little strange since people had been called in off  the streets. It serves as a reminder that showing up is not enough. The grace of  being invited to the Lord’s table, then as now, does not excuse us from wearing  the appropriate garment—that is, “putting on” Christ. 

Every Eucharist tells us that we have a place at the table, and this table prepares us for another table at the end of time, when all peoples will gather and the  Lord will move among us, wiping every tear away, and death shall be no more.  We are a people of many tables—of the word, the Eucharist, the world, and the  kingdom of God. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Do you see yourself as one who has been invited to have a place at  many tables? 
  • What does “putting on Christ” mean to you? 
  • How do you think about the end time when all will gather? 

Responding to the Word

We pray to respond wholeheartedly to God’s invitation to that final gathering  place where rich food and choice wines will be served and our shepherd God,  who even now spreads a table before us, will move among us. We can ask the  Spirit to help us wear Christ well.

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