CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation

October 12, 2008 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

Gospel reading Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 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. The king 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.”

Brief commentary:

This harsh and mysterious parable of the kingdom of heaven is unique to the of Matthew. Very similar to the parable of the tenants that we read last Sunday, its core is a description of the shameful behavior of certain people and their punishment. The concept of a marriage feast banquet was a common way of portraying life in the coming kingdom. The king and his son represent God and . Like the parable of the tenants, the first groups of servants were the prophets. The second group that went out was probably and Jesus, who not only encountered hostility, but ultimately death. Because the original guests, the Jews, turned down the invitation to the kingdom of God in Jesus, a second invitation was issued to all kinds of people, including tax collectors, and prostitutes. Yet, the invitation does not guarantee participation in the banquet. The parable emphasizes that being a sinner or a tax collector does not automatically give one entrance into the banquet. Anyone who has been invited needs to be ready and prepared to participate.

Today’s reading offers three significant messages:

• The “wedding garment” signifies the conversion, the change of mind and heart, which are necessary to enter the kingdom of God. • The Christian who lacks this “wedding garment” will suffer the same fate as the Jews who rejected Jesus. • The conversion of the Gentiles does not mean that God has rejected anyone, but rather included everyone: the invitation to the banquet is extended to the entire world.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

1. The “wedding garment” that Jesus desires is our service to one another, especially to those who are the least among us. How has my “garment” been lately? Explain.

2. How can I prepare this week to be properly garbed for dining in God’s kingdom?

Suggested readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 546; 796; 1612-1613.