October 15, 2023

The Gospel lesson at Matthew 22:1-14 tells the story of a wedding feast given by a king in honor of his son.  The guests originally invited to the wedding feast did not come.  They were too involved in their daily lives, in their farms and businesses.   Some even mistreated the slaves who were sent to bring them to the banquet.  When the invited guests refused to attend, the king sent his slaves out to the main streets, to invite every person they found, without distinction for who was good and who was bad.  When the king arrived, the wedding hall was filled with guests.  The king saw, however, one man who was not wearing a wedding robe.  He had the man throw out into the darkness.  

Are you wearing your wedding robes?   Jesus told this parable to make a point.  It was not intended to be about fashion, or sartorial splendor.  After all, the king told his slaves to bring everyone, not just the wealthy or the well attired.  We must assume that those in attendance were not considered good enough to receive the original invitations.  Yet there they were, at the wedding banquet, almost all wearing wedding robes.

The king in the parable is God, and his son is Jesus.  All of us have been called to the banquet.  What is the appropriate dress code?

Those wearing wedding robes were celebrating with the king at the glory of his son.  The celebration of the banquet was key.  If a guest does not experience the joy of a wedding, did they really come to the banquet?   If we cannot see God's hand at work in our lives, it is as if we are outside in the darkness.

What is God saying to us today about the world, our country and St. Timothy's?  Can we put on our wedding robes and trust God enough to find joy even in times of fear and anger?  It is easy to be overwhelmed by the world today.  Can we find something about which to feel joy?  Perhaps that something is kindness done to you by others, or a kindness that you do to someone else?   Joy keeps the darkness outside.  Keep joy near you and give thanks for that joy every day.

Come to the banquet!   Celebrate and find joy!


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Homily summary by Christine Castellano