by Father William R. Dulaney
“Do you want the good news or the bad news first?”
Guaranteed to get our attention, likely to unnerve us, this question suggests that our joy at glad tidings may be overshadowed by upsetting news we’d rather not hear.
Unless we’re careful, bad news can so discourage us that we forget to appreciate the blessings that have come our way. We need to remember this as we listen to today’s Scriptures: While they abound with good news and offer us hope, they might frighten us as they present warnings and challenges we may not want but need to hear and take seriously.
Isaiah predicts that the Lord of Hosts will provide a feast of rich food and choice wines. This meal is the eternal, heavenly banquet – the gathering of those who have entered into God’s presence to celebrate their victory over suffering and death.
God invites everyone to share in this repast, to be part of the grateful multitude who will proclaim: “Behold our God. This is the Lord for whom we looked, let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us.”
Jesus begins the Gospel parable by saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.”
That this king dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests, then bid them to invite into the banquet hall whomever they can find confirms what Isaiah foretold: Because the Lord of Hosts wants everyone ever born to experience the happiness and peace that await them in heaven, He never stops inviting people to join Him.
Disappointing Response
The response to the king’s invitation was disappointing. Some invited guests refused or ignored the invitation; others mistreated and killed the king’s messenger.
One man came to the banquet improperly dressed and was banished. For one reason or another, many of those invited, by their own choice, never enjoyed the king’s hospitality or shared his bounty.
Unfortunately, what happened in the parable occurs in real life. Deliberately or unintentionally, we reject or disregard Our Lord’s invitation to follow Him, abide by His teaching and work toward our salvation.
Challenging Questions
Today’s Gospel indicates the regrettable consequences of such choices, warns us to be careful and prompts us to ask some challenging questions:
– “The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.” Have I become indifferent or complacent in my relationship with God? Is my spiritual and moral life what it should be? When I do what I should, are my motives genuine?
– “The king saw a man not dressed in a wedding garment.” Do I answer the Lord’s call with generosity and willingness? Do I realize my response to God’s call is useless if it doesn’t translate into action, make a difference in the way I live and help me get to heaven?
In Philippians, Paul reminds us the Lord always supported him in his trials and tribulations and assures us the Lord will give us what we need to witness to Him and serve Him well.
Warnings Are Reminders
We shouldn’t see the warnings and challenges in today’s Scriptures as bad news. They remind us that we shouldn’t refuse Jesus’ call or let opportunities to build up the Body of Christ and make the world a better place pass us by.
The rewards promised in today’s readings leave no doubt that any inconveniences experienced or sacrifices made in answering God’s call with generosity and commitment are well worth the effort.[hr]
Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22: 1-14 or
Matthew 22: 1-10[hr]
Father William R. Dulaney, parochial vicar at St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose, is an adjunct spiritual director at Cathedral Prep and Seminary, Elmhurst, and a part-time chaplain at St. Edmund Prep H.S., Sheepshead Bay.
