Peace Circle

Scripture Soundings - Twenty-eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah 25:8 - The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.


R.S.V.P.

Most people can't invite the whole class to their child's birthday party, so choices have to be made. Some classmates will receive invitations while others won't. Most parents caution their children not to discuss the plans at school or around those not invited in order to avoid hurt feelings. Word gets out anyway.

What do the uninvited do? Sometimes they sulk, sabotage, cry, or complain. Once in awhile they get creative and all the uninvited head to one of their backyards and have a great time of it themselves. Even when we're feeling left out, God always invites us. There's always a "backyard" to go to with God.


Neighborly picket fence, with peaceful blue sky above, and friendly green grass below.

Twenty-eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time - Scripture Soundings

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 [1-10]

Comment

The theme this Sunday revolves around banquets and celebrations. In Isaiah we learn that all people will be invited to the banquet--not just the chosen ones. The term banquet doesn't do justice to the celebration that is planned. When we think of the joy and merriment found at the best party we've ever been to, we still only have a glimpse of the day God has planned. It will be the end of all the hurt, suffering, and sadness we have known. The celebration is in honor of salvation, the victory over death.

Paul tells the Philippians that he knows suffering and want, but he especially knows the graciousness of their community. He assures them of their place at the banquet where their every need will be satisfied.

Matthew reports one of Jesus' parables about a banquet and continues the theme that we are all invited to God's eternal feast. The first group to be invited, however, is apathetic and shrugs off the invitation. Provoked by their indifference, God will invite a second group--anyone who wants to come!

Reflection

But if you come, you must follow the rules, including the dress code. In the parable, one person from the second group came to the feast not wearing the traditional wedding garment. He remained silent when questioned, but he could have made any excuse: he didn't have much notice; he came, after all, when the original ones didn't; how important is it, really?

We accepted God's invitation to be part of the family celebration. Perhaps our parents accepted it for us at our baptism, but we have sacramentally or prayerfully confirmed that acceptance. In the garments of our baptism we have R.S.V.P.'d to the conditions of the banquet and want to be a part of this victorious celebration.

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Updated: May 11, 2008