28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Francis)
A certain couple had 5 children, 4 of whom were generally pleasing to their parents but one of the boys, now 25, had caused problems down the years. He stole money and was imprisoned twice. He was on drugs and had 3 children with different women. His actions caused great suffering and embarrassment to the family. The relatives and friends encouraged the parents to disown their son. They were frustrated by his reply to this: ‘how can we, he is our son, and we love him. Maybe with the passing of time he will change his ways’.
Today we hear about a banquet feast which surpasses all other celebrations. To this feast, people of all nations have been invited. This feast will be a time to celebrate the splendor of our GOD. Although this is the image in the Isaiah reading and psalm, the Gospel informs us that some people who have been invited either refuse to come or do not come in the way in which they are expected to come.
Isaiah describes a banquet with “juicy, rich food, and pure, choice wines.” It is not the ordinary meal, or even a special dinner. This is a feast beyond all other feasts. It might be described as the “biggest bash” ever. This is truly a “mountainous” celebration not just because it takes place on GOD’s holy mountain, but because the food and drink supplied are from a mountainous and endless supply. At this “mountainous” celebration are people from all lands and nations. This is an international festival. There is no sorrow or disappointment present here. This is a time of total rejoicing. And this feast is being brought to you by our GOD, the LORD of Might.
The often quoted twenty-third psalm also presents us with a celebration where the LORD has spread a table before us and where the cup overflows. This victory feast of our GOD celebrates that the enemy of GOD has been placed in subjection and there is no reason to fear or lament, for GOD is in control and is providing for those who have been united under the shepherd-ship of GOD.
Concluding his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses his thanks to the community who has provided for him during his imprisonment. Paul declares that he knows what it means to be hungry and to be well-provided for, and he is grateful that the people of Philippi have tended to his needs during his times of difficulty. Although he has not asked for their help, he is appreciative of their generosity. Paul expresses his strong faith by saying, I can do all things in him who strengthens me. That is what we are all call to say.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable about a royal wedding banquet feast to which many have been invited. As the servants of the royal leader are reminding the invited guests of their expected presence at the feast, the guests make excuses and even maltreat the servants. The majestic ruler dispatches more servants who are told to both punish those who have refused the invitation and to gather more people to come to the royal celebration. Obviously, a lot of preparation and expense have gone into providing for the guests to this feast. They are even provided with “wedding garments” to wear. When one guest comes without the proper attire, that guest is sent out where he experiences sadness and grinding of his teeth.
We need to keep wearing the wedding garment of holiness and righteousness, the state of grace, all the time, do good for everyone, and appreciate and receive God’s graces in the Church: a) We received the “wedding garment” of sanctifying grace in Baptism; the other Sacraments provide the additional graces we need to retain it. b) Our participation in the Eucharistic celebration and in personal and family prayers helps us to recharge our spiritual batteries and enables us to lead Spirit-filled, prayerful lives of doing good for all. c) Jesus nourishes us in the Church through the proclamation of word of God and through His Body and Blood offered to us as spiritual Food and Drink in Holy Communion.
We need to participate in the Eucharistic banquet with proper preparation by repenting of our sins and by actively participating in the prayers and singing during the Holy Mass. Participating in Holy Mass is the best preparation and greatest Source of power for our future participation in the Heavenly banquet.
Do we realize that there is a great banquet awaiting s?
Do we understand that the banquet has been prepared by our Lord/King?
Are we making ourselves worthy to participate in the banquet?
The Lord is always loving, merciful and compassionate. He is ready to give us chances to repent from our sins and come back to him. Let us ask his grace and strength that we may become worthy to receive him in the Eucharist which is the foreshadowing our heavenly banquet. Amen.
Fr. A. Francis HGN