Two of the great themes of Luke’s Gospel come together in our reading today. As we reflected upon yesterday, over and over in Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus eating and dining, and using those opportunities at table to teach. Today’s passage is the 10th such “table discourse” and Jesus offers a parable on one of his favorite topics, the kingdom of God.
One of his fellow dinner guests utters a surprisingly accurate statement: “Blessed is the one who will dine [literally, eat bread] in the kingdom of God.” Jesus then tells a parable about the eschatological banquet at the end of time
In the symbolic language of the parable, the host is God and His servants are the prophets, and three groups of people have been invited to this banquet.
The first group knew they had been invited, but they didn’t appreciate the great honor and gave some pretty lame excuses for not attending the banquet. Jesus was certainly addressing the Jews of his day, particularly the Scribes and Pharisees, those who believed themselves to be assured a place in the heavenly kingdom. But through their failure to believe, they would be excluded.
This could be applied to Christians of our own day who do not take the faith seriously, we see Catholicism as more of a cultural identity than a way of life. These are those who are more concerned with earthly concerns and possessions and social relationships, than the call to conversion.
The second group consists of the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. This group accepts the Lord’s invitation. And though they are dispossessed and alienated in this life, their hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied in eternity. Here is a call to turn to the Lord in our spiritual poverty, and trust in his promises.
The third group consists of those in the highways and hedgerows. This third invitation symbolizes the evangelization of the Gentile nations of the earth by the Church throughout the centuries. Many accept the Gospel of the Lord, but many do not. But we are called to faithfully share the Gospel, to extend the invitation to believe in the Lord and follow Him.
To these, Jesus uses some pretty strong language: make them come in, almost…almost…force them to accept. Be persistent in the invitation. There are people too embarrassed, too laden with guilt, too broken to accept the Gospel themselves. They silently cry out for someone to lead and guide them into the Church. Although their words and actions push you away, their spirit is crying out for God to send a leader to break open the path. So persistent, drag them to Church and to parish events and service opportunities.
As St. Paul teaches, “Do not grow slack but be fervent in Spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord." For the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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During this National Vocations Week, for an increase in vocations to priesthood and consecrated life, and that our young people may take seriously the missionary call of Christ, that they will turn away from the godlessness of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.
For the healing of all those afflicted with physical, mental, emotional illness, for those in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, those struggling with addictions, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for deceased clergy and religious, for those who have fought and died for our freedom, we pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, hear our prayers. May the grace of Christ Your Son, the Divine Physician, bring healing of our sinfulness, and make us worthy of the kingdom of heaven, through the same Christ our Lord.
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