“Invitation to the Wedding Banquet”

9 OCTOBER 2011                       

INVITATION

Matthew 22, 1-14

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Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

José Antonio Pagola

Through his parables Jesus progressively reveals to his followers how he experiences God, how he interprets life beginning at its deepest roots, and how he responds to the most profound problems of the human condition.

Rev.Fr.Vally de Souza SJ

   Whoever enters into living contact with his parables begins to change. Something happens to us. God is not what we imagine him to be. Life is greater and more mysterious than our everyday conventional routine. It is possible to live with a new horizon. Let us listen to the starting point of the parable called: “Invitation to the Wedding Banquet”.

   According to the story, God is preparing a final feast for all his sons and daughters, for he wants to see all seated by his side, around the same table, enjoying an abundance of life forever. This is an image that is dearest to the heart of Jesus, for it suggests the culmination of human history.

   Compared to so many petty images of a God who controls and punishes, which prevent many from relishing the faith and enjoying their lives, Jesus introduces into the world the experience of a God who invites us to share a fraternal feast that will culminate in the best of our efforts, longings and aspirations being fulfilled.

   Jesus devoted his entire life to spreading abroad this marvelous invitation of God: “The banquet is ready. Come!” This message formulates the way he announces God. Jesus does not preach doctrines, he awakens a desire for God. He does not pressurize anyone or impose anything. He invites and calls. He frees from fears and inspires trust in God.  In his name he welcomes to his table sinners and undesirable people. His invitation has to reach everyone.

   Men and women today need to discover the Mystery of God as Good News. We Christians must learn to speak of him more in a language inspired by Jesus to undo misunderstandings, clarify prejudices, and remove fears introduced by a lamentable religious discourse that has alienated many from the God who awaits us with everything ready for the final feast.

   In these times in which the disparagement of religion prevents so many from hearing the invitation of God, we need to speak of the Mystery of his Love with humility and respect for all, without imposing on consciences or stifling life, but by  awakening the desire for truth and light that remains alive in the most secret depths of human beings.

   It is true that the call to a religious life is rejected by many, but the invitation of God has not died out. All can hear it – those who in the depths of their consciences listen to the call of goodness, of love and of justice.

Spread abroad the invitation of God

Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site 

 http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org 

Website for Spanish original and translations: www.eclesalia.net

Jose Antonio Pagola,  vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

English Translation by  (Valentine) Vally de Souza S.J.  vallydesouza@jesuits.net,   Mandal, Gujarat , India.

Konknni Translation by Vasco do Rego S.J., vdorego@gmail.com, Jesuit House, P.B.112, Panaji, Goa.