Word to the Wise
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Thursday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Judg 11:29-39a and Matt 22:1-14]"Many are invited, but few are chosen." [Matthew]
AUGUST 21 ST. PIUS X
The parable of the wedding feast and reluctant invitees is the third of three straight parables preached by Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem after his triumphant entry. All three parables - the Two Sons, the Vineyard workers, and the Wedding Banquet - are concerned with the response to Jesus and his challenging message. Today's parable, the Wedding Feast, has an additional twist to it. After punishing the original invitees who rejected his invitation, the King sends his servants to bring in anyone who wants to come, but they have to be properly dressed for the occasion, as was the custom. When the King sees a man who attends without a "wedding garment," that man is also punished. In short, acceptance of Jesus' invitation requires action. It is not enough to simply "repent." One must show this by one's life. The invitation cannot be taken for granted.
Imagine a wedding in ordinary circumstances where all the guests except one are "dressed up" and the exception comes in shorts and tee shirt! Jesus is saying that it is not enough to simply "sign up and show up!" One has to "dress up" too in good deeds. This will be reinforced in the parable of the Last Judgment [25:21-45]. Faith in Jesus has to be more than following the rules of religious observance. One's whole life - thoughts, words and deeds - must dress us for the banquet. AMEN