28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
COME TO THE LAVISH FEAST!
MT 22: 1-10
MESSAGE
When a man was invited to an Asian family’s breakfast, he was completely flabbergasted! The family prepared 18 dishes for their guest. In Asia, hospitality is a prime virtue and nothing exemplifies this more than the food they serve to guests. This is no different in the time of the Lord Jesus for the Jews also have a great appreciation for feasting and celebrating.
We can thus imagine the king in today’s Gospel who prepared a lavish banquet for his son’s wedding. The food, the drinks, and the entertainment were ready and only the guests were missing. But some of the guests refused to take part; others just ignored his summons; some even had the gall to maltreat the messengers. But the king was undeterred. The more he opened his doors to all, expected and unexpected, rich or poor, until the hall was full of celebrating people.
Today, God our King continues to throw a party where everyone is invited and expected. The celebration is also in honor of his Son and he desires all to partake of his generous offering. This takes place in the Eucharist where the Lord offers nourishment for the body and soul in the Word that is proclaimed, and in the Body and Blood that are broken and shared.
Sadly, the cycle of refusal and rejection continues as many people ignore the invitation to join in the feast. We have become so busy. Often, we give in to many distractions. We shifted our priorities that we forget that we are guests each Sunday at the Holy Mass. Perhaps one day, when we feel the hunger for what the world cannot give or thirst for what our efforts cannot achieve, we will remember the King who welcomes us into his table. He patiently and consistently waits for us to enter.
REFLECT
What is your attitude towards the Holy Mass? Are you still excited or are you bored when you attend? Is it a heartfelt devotion or a habitual tradition for you? This week, pray for the grace to rediscover how generous God is in inviting us to his presence and sharing with us the gift of heavenly food that only the Eucharist can bring.
