To read the texts click on the texts: Isa 25:6-10; Phil 4:12-14.19-20; Mt 22:1-14
The last four verses of
today’s Gospel have caused much consternation when heard or read and this is
possible one reason why the Church allows these verses to be omitted.
It seems however, that
they are part of the original parable even if seen as an expansion and
Matthew’s own composition, but if read bring out the whole meaning of the
parable. While at first glance it seems quite unreasonable to expect someone
who has been invited from the streets to have a wedding garment, it must also
be noted that all others who have also been invited from the streets except
this one are wearing theirs. This is an indication that the others accepted the
invitation and after doing so did something about it. On the other hand, the
one who did not have the wedding garment was there in body but not in spirit.
He was at the feast but was not partaking of it. He was present yet absent. He
sought the benefits of the feast without the required response to the
invitation. Thus he can make no response or claim ignorance when he is
questioned by the king. He knows what the appropriate garb is in order to
remain; and he knows well that he is not wearing it. The notion of election
here works together with, rather than against, the reality of human
responsibility.
This is why it is made
quite clear that there is no coercion or force on the part of the king, but the
issuance of an invitation. Those invited are free to respond in any way they
want, but must be prepared to face the consequences of this response. Some of
the original invitees make light of the invitation and pretend as if they have
not heard it. They ignore the messengers and go off to do their own thing.
These are engaged not in sin but in events of life which have taken hold of them
to such an extent that they cannot even understand the privilege that they are
receiving in being invited. Still others behave irrationally by attacking and
killing the messengers who bring the invitation
Since the invitation is
spurned by the original invitees, the king is forced to send new invites to
those who will accept them. These are the ones who are considered the scum of
society, who are found on the streets or byroads. While these fill the banquet
hall and accept the invitation willingly, it is also necessary for them to show
in action this acceptance which they have made in freedom. This they do by
wearing the required wedding garments which in this context can be interpreted
as being present in both body and mind at the wedding feast. Matthew’s Gospel
interprets this as doing deeds of righteousness. The consequence of not having
a wedding garment or not showing in action that one has accepted the invitation
is banishment from the feast. This is not the punishment given by the king but
one which the invited guest has brought on him or herself.
An invitation to a feast
is also issued in the first reading from Isaiah. Those who will heed the call are invited to
the mountain of the Lord, Zion. Here is the choicest of food and drink which is
served in abundance. It is an invitation to feast and rejoice and an assurance
that all tears will be wiped away and the people who come will be accepted. All
reproach will be removed and God will reveal himself as a God who saves. This
salvation will be shown in the most tangible of ways in that death itself will
be destroyed.
Paul in the second
reading of today tells of how because he has accepted the invitation in both
words and deeds, he is completely sated. He does not hunger or thirst for
anything but has been fulfilled in every single aspect of his life. The promise
of Isaiah finds its meaning in the manner in which Paul lives his life. He
lacks nothing. He has everything. In every single situation of life he is
content.
The challenge of the
readings to each of us who are also called is to also be lived out as those who
are chosen. This is not a once for all response, but a constant one since the
invitation is constant. In order to be regarded as chosen, the ones called must
manifest through their lives in deeds of love and service that the invitation
to participate in the feast has been accepted.
Thus while the good news
is of an open invitation to everyone who is willing to listen leaving no one
out, the fact remains that the response has to be shown through the actions of
ones life. Not all who are invited are receptive to the invitation of the Lord
and thus not all will bring forth the deeds of righteousness expected of the
invitees. Those invited are expected to wear the wedding garment.
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