Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Philippians 4:12-14,19-20, Matthew 22:1-14
“And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so, the wedding hall was filled with guests!” (Matthew 22:10)
Last Sunday, Jesus told us about tenants who leased a vineyard but refused to give the landowner the vineyard’s produce when it was time for the harvest. They beat up the servants, injured some and killed others. When the landowner sent his son, they dragged him out and killed him. Something similar happens in today’s parable. A man invited his friends to his son’s wedding, and when it was time for the feast, he sent servants to remind the guests, only for them to give excuses, treat the servants shamefully and even kill them.
Why would tenants be bold enough to kill the servants sent to collect their rent? Why would guests turn around to kill the servants sent to remind them of the banquet? These parables highlight injustice and wickedness in people’s hearts, yet Jesus speaks directly to us because we are those tenants; we are the guests. This brings us to today’s lessons.
1. Only in God Can We Find Happiness
In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah says, “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things…” What does this tell us? Only in God can we find real and lasting happiness. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). All we need to do is to “taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy the man who seeks refuge in God.” (Psalm 34:8)
However, by living sinful lives, we behave like the guests in today’s Gospel passage who felt they had more important things to do than attend the banquet. The master told the servants: “Tell those who have been invited to come.” In other words, we already have God’s invitation cards. The problem is attending the banquet –doing what God desires of us. Why do we assume that God’s commandments restrict our happiness and fulfilment? Why do we think we can gain something from sin?
2. What Stops Us From Attending the Banquet?
Jesus said: “One went off to his farm, another to his business…” Since the wedding banquet would only last a few hours, couldn’t they have attended and returned to their farm or business? The point here is that we cannot serve two masters. Those who thought their farm (or business) was more important than the wedding are like the seed planted among thorns. As Jesus noted: “The cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)
Could my love for money be preventing me from giving God his due? Have I made money a god? Is my job requiring me to tell lies, cheat my customers, steal or prostitute my body? Do I kill others to make money? Am I into cybercrime (Yahoo Plus)? Am I working for a kidnapper, a ritual killer or one whose ways are not pure?
In today’s second reading, St. Paul encourages the Philippians to be content. He says: “In any circumstances, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.” (Philippians 4:12). Be content with whatever you have. Trust in God and obey Him, and He will bless the works of your hands. Our Psalmist today says that if you obey God’s words, He will prepare a table for you, and your cup will run over (Psalm 23:5-6). Jesus also assures us: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all (money, success in business, comfort, luxury, etc.). But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:32-33).
While some guests gave excuses, others went as far as seizing, maltreating and killing the messengers. Many today consider God an enemy. If given the chance, they would abolish Christianity as a whole. Is God responsible for the enshrinement of corruption in every aspect of our national life? St. James wrote: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)
3. The Wedding Banquet Has Begun; Repent Now or Never
When the guests refused to show up, the master said: “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.” (Matthew 22:8-9). Jesus told this parable to the Jews, God’s chosen people - the original guests who rejected Him.
St. John explains: “He came to his own home, and his people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13). God has sent us an open invitation today. The wedding banquet has begun. God will not let the food become cold or the drinks go to waste. There is no time. Do not procrastinate. Today is your only chance to repent. If you harden your heart, God may give what He has prepared for you to someone else.
Nigerians, let us come out of the darkness. Let us repent of the many evils bedevilling our society. Let us look inward and take out whatever is ungodly and unholy. Let us act like the Ninevites; let us fast and pray. Let us implore God’s mercy and resolve to walk as His children. Let us go beyond being the most prayerful nation on earth. Let us become doers of God’s Word. Let our worship of God not end with prayer; let it translate to daily living.
4. Avoid Over-Familiarity; do not take God for Granted
The king discovered a guest without a wedding garment. This man may have come in wearing his wedding garment (otherwise, he would have been turned back at the gate). Having begun well, he must have become so relaxed that he removed his wedding garment. Never take God for granted. Do not quench that lighted candle. Do not sink into sin.
On the other hand, this man may not have had wedding garments. In that case, what stopped him from borrowing before attending the banquet? Do not rely on your strength alone. To win the race set before us, we must be prayerful. We must always be fully dressed for action. (Cf. Ephesians 6:11-18).
Finally, for those who think that dressing doesn’t matter, this parable reminds us of the saying: “Dress as you like to be addressed.” The clothes you wear at any time speak volumes about you. Children of God, clothes are meant to cover your body, not expose it. Avoid immoral or sexually provocative dressing.
Let us pray: May your grace, O Lord, go before us at all times, follow after us, and keep us always determined to carry out good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Philippians 4:12-14,19-20, Matthew 22:1-14)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu