WHAT DO WE DO WITH GOD'S INVITATION? - 8/18/22 (Thursday of the Twentieth Week of Ordinary Time)

Matthew 22:10-14

“The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081822.cfm

Blessed Thursday! In the gospel reading for today, Jesus Christ uses the wedding feast for His parable as He teaches about heaven. Why did He use wedding feast as an analogy? It's because the Mystical Spouse of Christ is the Church, and we are members of His Church. Our Lord invites all of us to enter into a covenant with Him, into a deep and mystical relationship with Him, for us be united with His love forever in heaven. Because of His unconditional and overflowing mercy, He gives invitation to everyone to His wedding feast in heaven, no matter how dark or sinful our past is. There are at least three ways that people respond to His invitation, and in this reflection, we will see that the third way is what is pleasing to God. 

First, people respond to God's invitation by an outright rejection of it. In the parable, the king invited many people to the wedding feast, and he even told them of the numerous food for dinner that would truly satisfy the people. However, they simply rejected his invitation, and they focused on their own farms, businesses, and even maltreatment of their servants. This represents the people who are not open to the gospel and to the graces of God, especially by committing mortal sins. Mortal sins are committed when people knowingly and freely do a grave sin. But, for what reason? It may be due to the satisfaction of sins or worldly things. As such, they willingly reject the infinite happiness and eternal life in heaven for the sake of empty pleasures that are perishing. To make another analogy, most likely, we will not throw away precious stones like diamonds for the sake of ordinary rocks. But, some people do worse by willingly choosing the state of hell for eternity rather than be eternally happy with God in heaven. 

Second, people respond by saying "yes" initially to God's invitation without persevering until the end. In the parable of our Lord, the king saw a man on the hall with guests. This meant that the man initially accepted the invitation of the king. This represents the people who pray to God and who may participate in the Holy Mass. However, in the parable, the man was not wearing his wedding garment. The wedding garment represents the act of living out our faith and being consistent with our identity as children of God and followers of Christ. Unfortunately, there are some people who profess their belief in God while they may not obey the commandments of God. Some profess that they believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church while attacking the same Church when its teachings, which are meant for our salvation, are contrary to their way of lifestyle. As such, by not living out their faith and devotion to God, they may also endanger their souls. 

Third, we should respond by constantly saying "yes" to God's invitation and will, even if it's difficult. The people who remain in His wedding feast represent those who remain with God until the end. Because of our weaknesses, we should not be surprised when we fall to some temptations. But, this does not mean that we should give up. Our Lord gives us hope because He constantly invites us back to Him, even despite our many faults. When we fall to grave sins, Jesus is inviting us to the sacrament of confession where His infinite mercy and precious blood will wash away all of the sins in our hearts. When we are struggling to understand Catholic teachings, He is inviting us to deepen our knowledge of it. Below this reflection, there is a link of an article that provides a summary and defense of Catholic teachings. When we fall to temptations, Jesus is inviting us to reflect upon it snd through prayer, to resolve to do better and to be on guard. Our wedding garments may be full of stains, but the Precious Blood of Christ will cleanse us and make us worthy of Him. The knowledge of salvation will enlighten our hearts, free us from fear and from the powers of evil, and enable us to serve Christ faithfully until the end. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Summary of the Teachings of the Catholic Church:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

A Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/