Thursday, August 22, 2024

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come.

Jesus really had a difficult time with the Pharisees and Scribes. They, for some reason, never warmed up to his message. It required a massive move from their preconceived ideas of the divine to this God who was very comfortable living right next to the mess that touches people’s lives. They just could not get on board with this.

Today let us think of the Pharisee within. What is too much or too far for you? I remember years ago when a Jesuit priest stood up in church and preached that God loved us as we are. But he took it too far. He said “you do not even have to change anything…”

See for years we were told we had to change everything about us. We were told our African names had to be changed and we had to adopt “holy names.” Our customs had to be abandoned and we were to adopt European ways… Then this Jesuit showed up and declared “ your names are beautiful, your customs are a gift to the church.” Imagine the shock!!

Let us pray today for those who will not come because of how the message was presented or because of some events in their lives that makes them feel unworthy. Just come as you are!

In the passage above, the king later sent messengers to everyone. He wanted the banquet hall filled.