October 15, 2017
28th Sunday Ordinary
I am not a “birdwatcher” but I do slow down at times to observe and listen to the birds. I have noticed a gathering of sparrows in the maple tree, evergreens and bushes next to Langley Hall. It is a bird sanctuary. The birds stop chirping when I quietly walk by as if I am stalking them. Birdwatchers note a scout sparrow arrives first, then more sparrows, finches and doves. Safety in numbers. This “gathering of sparrows” reminds me of a theme often heard in the Bible: God gathering the People of Israel. In our first reading Isaiah speaks of the “Lord of Hosts” preparing a banquet on a mountain. Here, God will provide rich food and drink, wipe away the tears and remove the reproach of all who come from distant lands. Psalm 23 is a poem or song of the Lord as shepherd guiding the sheep through the dark valley to verdant pastures, restful waters and safety. St. Matthew recalls the parable of Jesus about a king hosting a wedding banquet for his son and then inviting guests to the feast.
We are surprised by the guests who refuse to attend and by their violent rejection of the king’s invitation. The enraged king executes the murderers and burns their city. Then the king sends out his servants to invite anyone they can find to fill the hall for the feast even opening the doors to “street people!” We detect in the biblical theme of “gathering in” an inclusive dimension to God’s gift to salvation. All are invited to enjoy the divine banquet. It is decision time. But sadly many refuse to attend. The announcement of the great feast turns to a pronouncement of impending judgment.
Accepting the invitation and entry into the banquet hall do not guarantee a place at the table. A guest must wear a “wedding garment” and respond to the entreaty of the king. In the New Testament “clothing” is a metaphor for good works. We are to cloth ourselves with virtue --above all “with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col 3:12-14) or simply: “Faith works.”
We are both messengers of the king inviting others to attend the banquet of God’s mercy and love and, at the same time, recipients of the invitation. The great disappointment or judgment that can befall us will be the lost opportunity of being in the company of the Great King. (Matthew 25:31-46)
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27th Sunday Ordinary
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29th Sunday Ordinary
