RBWords

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013  QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

     The Gospel of Matthew was originally addressed to a community that was predominantly Jewish in background, but also addressed to Gentiles who were beginning to be attracted to the message.  The meaning of the parable centers on the failure to recognize Jesus' authority and respond to it in faith.  The first part of the parable speaks to Israel and its failure to respond positively to the invitation to the banquet of the Kingdom.   The invitation then goes out to all the world!  However, there is a warning that the invitation includes demands and one just doesn't say, "I'll come on my own terms!"  This is the man without a wedding garment.

 

     I suspect that very few of us would identify with the people in the first part of the parable, but the man without a wedding garment might speak to us.  Do we attempt to respond to Jesus' invitation on our own terms?  Perhaps we should consider Jesus' terms and come prepared and properly disposed. We could start with going back and reading all the gospel of Matthew from cover to cover and giving it some thought!  AMEN

 

[Note to the Beloved Congregation.  On August 22, 2003, I wrote and sent to a few friends the very first WORD TO THE WISE!  A couple of years later, my dear friends, Craig and Christina Baker presented me the website I use for posting: < www.rbwords.com>.  WTTW has appeared every day since August 22. 2003.  Please keep me in your prayers that I can continue with it.]