In our gospel today we hear of the familiar parable on the
Wedding Feast. Many people were invited, but many declined to come to the
feast. The wedding feast can represent our relationship with God. God calls
everyone into relationship with Him. But, as in the parable, many people find
other things more important than having that relationship.
God calls each one of us into relationship with Him, and
it’s important to keep him at the center of your life. Other things in our
lives, no matter how attractive they may be or how important we may think they
are, are not as important as having an intimate relationship with God. We all
have daily responsibilities that we need to tend to, but we need to remember
that as we carry out our responsibilities, not to ignore God. When facing a
problem, or even experiencing something good and positive, we need to remember
that God is present to us. With any problems we have, turn to God in prayer to
help you resolve the issue at hand. If it’s something positive that has
happened, give praise and thanks to God for the blessings received.
Regarding the “white garment” this represents how we have
responded to God’s call in our life. It represents how we live out our lives as
baptized Christians: with faith towards God and love for those in our lives.
God judges the heart, and if we’re not living out our lives with love of God
and love of neighbor, our “white garments” will be soiled.
As we reflect on this section of Matthew’s gospel, let us
reflect on how we are responding to God’s call in our lives. Does he have our
full love and adoration? Or are we indifferent to God’s presence in our lives.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteI have a relationship with GOD & I am not indifferent to Him. I believe that GOD is in the center of my life & I try to see every aspect of my life as pointing from each aspect to Him & from Him to each aspect of my life. I know I need Him & call upon Him for just about EVERYTHING & I praise & thank Him for helping me & for good things, both big & small.
I am not sure how intimate my relationship is with Him & I think I need to do better at being full of love & actually loving Him with my whole heart, whole soul, whole mind & whole strength.
I know that my Church ministries make me happy & I consider them my LIFEBLOOD, but that is a combination of mixed motives: loving & serving GOD, loving what I do (lector, EM, singing, Secular Franciscans) for the work itself that I enjoy, receiving affirmation & approval of others & sensing GOD'S approval, some ego gratification in believing that I am very good at what I do (adequacy, competence) & a sense of belonging. It is in Church ministry that I have found my "niche".
One interpretation of the "wedding garment" is "sanctifying grace". It is baffling & it feels unfair to think thst this poor guy was dragged off the street, not having any idea that he would wind up at a wedding & with probably no preparation time & yet he was thrown out for not wearing the proper clothes. How could that be his fault? I don't know the source of this interpretation, but years ago my Mom heard or read an interpretation that explained that the HOST of a wedding PROVIDED the wedding garment (perhaps not unlike fancy restaurants that have a bunch of jackets in a closet for men to put on when the restaurant requires wearing a jacket.) Like the host providing a jacket, GOD provides sanctifying grace & our job is to accept it. So it would seem that this poor man would have been offered a wedding garment but refused to put it on. I think that is an explanation that makes the most sense to me.
The parable of the Wedding Feast can be understood with a two-fold meaning. In biblical times it wasn't unusual for kings & wealthy to provide special wedding garments to guests, eliminating distinction between social standing, allowing guests to mingle on an equal basis.
ReplyDeleteAccepting the garment honored the host, was an act of submission, and a symbol of respect. Refusing the garment was an insult to the host's authority, representing one who accepts the invitation, but without submission & obedience.
How does this parable relate to us today?
We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ & the garment of salvation when we "put on Christ" at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb - the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Our "wedding garment" is our
spiritually preparedness to receive Word & Sacrament worthily when we come to the Feast. A gift freely given to us by Christ Jesus.
"Many are called, but few are chosen" -
The invitation is extended to everyone. The "chosen" are those who respond with sincere faith, repentance, & obedience.
I have to ask myself this question:
Do I prepare myself spiritually to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist worthily? Do I miss opportunities to be more united with my God,vor do I put less important things first?
It is truly a matter of the heart - it is relationship.