Understanding the Word

By Br. John R. Barker, OFM

Chapters 25–27 of Isaiah contain certain elements found in  later apocalyptic literature: worldwide judgment, cosmic upheaval,  God’s defeat of dark powers and deliverance from them, and the  enthronement of God in the temple on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.  The image of a banquet, which God hosts on this mountain, conveys the abundance and joy that the rescued faithful will experience once  God has defeated the dark forces. The most powerful of these, death  itself, will also fall, leaving nothing to mar the joy of God’s reign  over “all nations” as the devastated world is renewed. Those who  have been brought to God’s mountain will be safe from all harm, for  the divine protection (“hand”) will rest on the mountain. 

Paul has apparently received some money from the Philippians,  prompting him to comment on the vicissitudes of his apostleship,  which has its material as well as spiritual high and low points. At  times he has been comfortable and at other times his circumstances  have been more “humble.” From this he has learned how to “go with  the flow,” accepting whatever comes along. As always, the strength  to persevere comes from Christ, who supplies everything Paul could  possibly need. This confidence in the providential care of God allows  Paul to be open to whatever comes. Throughout the letter, in various ways, this theme of radical selflessness has appeared, rooted not only  in the example of Christ but also trust in God.

Jesus teaches consistently in Matthew’s Gospel that while  absolutely everyone is invited to enter the kingdom of heaven, the  price of admission is high. The gate is narrow and the road is difficult,  and few find it (7:13–14). The guest in the parable represents those  who have failed to understand this fundamental teaching. He has  taken up the king’s generous invitation, but by failing to dress  appropriately (even though, we must assume, he could have), he  has demonstrated an overly casual attitude, treating the event as  if it were simply a matter of “come as you are,” an insult to the  generosity of the king. The kingdom of God, the parable reminds us,  is not something we should take for granted. 

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