Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Today, for the most part, I can accept or reject a wedding invitation with no major consequences. It is completely voluntary and besides some criticism from family and friends, I will live to tell it. In the old days when kings would reign, rejecting an invitation to a kingly wedding feast was not without major consequences. Refusal to appear at the royal party meant more than a conflict in schedules. It was an act of insubordination payed with the death penalty.

Nowadays, I cannot show up to certain places and parties without proper attire. There are restaurants that will not allow me in unless I have shoes and shirt on. Others require formal dress without which they will deny me entrance. In those days, a kingly wedding feast demanded a certain attire to be able to participate of the wedding feast. It is believed that the king himself provided his subjects with the clothing for the party. Refusal to dress up was also an act of insubordination.

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a royal wedding feast where the king invites his subjects. The people make excuses not to go and even abuse the servants that came to communicate the invitation. The king displays patience and persistence in calling people, not once, but twice to his feast. The people display apathy towards the invitation making all kinds of excuses and even taking it on the messengers for the banquet. Since those invited did not respond to the invitation, the king decided to go out on the roads and invite anyone who would come. 

Many are invited, but few are chosen. The Gospel of the kingdom is calling everyone to repentance, but not everyone responds to the call. I don't want to make excuses for the royal wedding feast of our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes for his bride, the Church. I want to be properly dressed in the righteousness of Christ when he comes lest I miss the party. My King is sending me, his servant, to invite everyone to the banquet. Am I being faithful to the task?

Lord, fill me with expectation for the great day of your appearance. Move me to be faithful in my service to you. May I invite everyone on the roads to enter your kingdom. May I be properly dressed for the occasion when it comes.