Reading: Matthew 22:1-14
Matthew 22:9 – “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.”
Continuing his response to the religious leaders’ questions about his authority, Jesus tells a third parable. This one is more directly about Israel and the kingdom of God. The “king” sent servants to invite people to a wedding banquet for his son. But the people ignored Elijah, Jeremiah, and others. Some were beaten and some were killed. So God sent others – Daniel, Amos, Micah… The people of God continued to ignore and sometimes abuse God’s servants. The Assyrians and then the Babylonians destroyed cities, setting much on fire. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, both calling the people of God to the great wedding banquet. The chosen people mostly ignored and eventually killed these prophets too.
The focus of the king’s invitation shifted as the people of God proved unworthy of the call: “Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.” Stepping outside the circle of those who thought themselves already chosen, the apostles and disciples of Jesus went to the edges – to Samaritans and other Gentiles, inviting them to the party. Many came. They were mostly good and genuine but not all were. Yet today some show up every Sunday morning but one wouldn’t know it if one observed their Sunday afternoon through Saturday night. Those who refuse to truly clothe themselves in Christ will one day be tossed into the eternal darkness.
Many are invited but few are chosen. Following the way of Jesus is hard and requires sacrifice and humble service to God and neighbor. To practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and kindness is to live out our faith. To love, welcome, draw in, include, and invite is the call of our faith. May we daily clothe ourselves in Christ.
Prayer: Lord God, for many people the allure of “fields” and “businesses” is great. At times we too are drawn to the things of this world. In these moments we ignore your word and the Spirit. Come and meet us on the edges, invite us back to the table again and again. And as we experience your neverending invitation, may we become truly invitational – inviting, welcoming, and including all people. Amen.
