St. Matthew’s Gospel account this weekend (Matthew 22,1-14) unfolds in the Temple area in Jerusalem. The original audience was the Chief Priests and elders of the people. In case you did not notice, we have been there, with that audience, for the past three Sundays. Technically, Jesus does not present a parable this time. It is an allegory – a story that speaks of one thing, but means another.
Not to be overlooked is a strong message about a “wedding garment.” The point is that ‘just showing up’ is not enough. We should not miss the detail that it is the King who makes the judgment about who is dressed right and who is not. Let’s remember that ‘clothing’ in the Scriptures is often a metaphor for good works and faithful discipleship. In the Letter to the Romans, for example, St. Paul speaks about those who have “put on Christ” and have “clothed themselves in Christ.”
At the feast of the Eucharist, whether celebrated in person or via livestreaming, we don’t just show up, not caring much about the guests around us, not being concerned about whether or not we are clothed with compassion and kindness, with no interest in offering ourselves to others. This gets played out, obviously, beyond the hour or so we dedicate to the Mass; the manner in which we live our faith throughout the week is really the issue here. During the coming week, ponder just how much the King wants no one to be left out. Every one of us has been invited to the banquet feast. However, excuses are not acceptable, ignoring the invitation is risky business. How will we respond to the King this week?
