Gospel 

Mt 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, "The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful parable about the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells the story of a king who invites guests to a wedding feast for his son, but they refuse to come. The king sends his servants again and again, but the invited guests ignore, mistreat, and even kill them. Finally, the king opens the invitation to everyone, and the hall is filled with guests.

This parable reveals the generosity and patience of God, who invites us all to the feast of eternal life. But it also warns us of the consequences of ignoring or rejecting God's invitation.

The wedding garment represents our response to God's invitation. We are called to put on the garment of faith, love, and obedience. Without it, we are not prepared to enter the feast.

The parable also highlights the difference between being invited and being chosen. Many are invited, but few are chosen. This means that we must respond to God's invitation with humility, gratitude, and a willingness to follow Him.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Have we responded to God's invitation with indifference or neglect?

- Are we wearing the wedding garment of faith and obedience?

- Are we willing to accept God's invitation and follow Him, no matter the cost?

May we accept God's invitation with joy and gratitude, and may we be found worthy to enter the feast of eternal life.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We thank you for the invitation to the feast of eternal life. Help us to respond with humility, gratitude, and a willingness to follow You.

Forgive us for times when we have ignored or neglected Your invitation. Help us to put on the wedding garment of faith, love, and obedience, that we may be prepared to enter the feast.

We pray for the grace to accept Your invitation with joy and gratitude. May we be found worthy to enter the feast of eternal life.

Help us to remember that many are invited, but few are chosen. May we be among those who are chosen, and may we live our lives in response to Your invitation.

We thank you for Your generosity and patience. May we reflect Your love and invitation to others, and may Your kingdom be revealed in our lives.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ