God's Invitation ot the Banquet

10-15-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear people of God,

Good morning to you all.! All parishioner’ Raffle Ticket packets are in the back at each church and tickets can be turned in any weekend in the collection basket or if someone is selling tickets. This year St. Boniface Parish will head up the handling of the 2023 Rectory raffle. When you write your check, please write it out to Immaculate Conception.

On this 28th Sunday, the readings are about God’s invitation for banquets. In the first reading, the Prophet tells us that the LORD promises to provide abundantly for all and remove obstacles that blind nations. He will end death, comfort his people, and eradicate their disgrace. All will recognize and rejoice in God’s salvation. In today’s Second Reading, Paul expresses contentment in all situations, whether in scarcity or plenty. Through Christ’s strength, he remains resilient. He acknowledges the support of others and assures God’s provision for their needs, praising God eternally.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares a parable about a king who hosts a wedding feast for his son. Initially, the invited guests refused the call. It is illustrating how some might reject or ignore divine invitations.

This reflects the human indifference or hostility to divine
outreach. Then the king extends the invitation to everyone, both good and bad. This emphasizes God’s inclusivity and the universal nature of the divine call. In this parable, a guest without a wedding robe faces consequences. It is suggesting that while the invitation is open, certain preparations or transformations are expected for full participation.

Jesus uses this image as an image of the Kingdom of God. We are all invited! Are we going to respond to the invitation of Jesus? God wants us. God also invites us to live in a way given to us by Jesus Himself. When we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, God and Savior, then we can understand how important it is to respond to His invitation and to live as He has shown us: love for all others, sacrifice of ourselves for the sake of others, trying to give our lives completely to the Lord through the service of others. God provides faith and salvation for mankind. He has made these available to us, in and through Christ Jesus free of charge. So, we need to response to this invitation always throughout our life by our words and deeds.

Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday