TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Isaiah 25: 6-10a; Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22: 1-14
(Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah)
Today's readings present two perspectives on the same reality. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the abundant providence of the Lord of hosts for all peoples. The date is set in the future, when the Lord God will provide a feast, remove the veil that keeps us from seeing, put an end to suffering, and destroy death. On that day people will rejoice on seeing God and experiencing His salvation. Psalm 23 sings of the experience of the Lord’s protection as a shepherd who foresees the needs of the psalmist even when he has ‘to walk in the dark valley’ (v.4). The psalmist, on his way to ‘the house of the Lord’ (v.6), experiences the light and sustenance of the Lord’s presence. St. Paul also, in the second reading, experiences the strength and support of God, who enables him to persevere amid many varied and difficult circumstances. He sums up this abiding presence in the phrase ‘I can do all things in him who strengthens me’ (4:13). He also tells the Christians at Philippi that ‘[My] God will fully supply whatever you need’ (4:19).
Time and again, throughout Scripture we find the image of a feast or celebration as a setting or an allegory for the expression of God’s love. The prophet Isaiah uses the image of feasting on a mountaintop in today’s first reading. The mountain is a place of mystery. From this vantage point, one can see everything below in a new way. Many people feel a physical closeness to God on a mountain, something they cannot experience elsewhere. This was certainly true for the Hebrew people, for it was on a mountain top that God revealed himself in a special way to both Abraham and Moses. When a mountain is the site of a great feast, the sense of blessing and joy is powerful. Here God destroys death, and wipes away the tears from every face. This is what the day of salvation will be like; and Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that this is what God has promised his children.
In today's second reading, God enables us to understand why we must celebrate His saving power despite all odds and hardships. St. Paul realizes that his power comes from God in whom he takes pride; he rejoices in Him for strengthening and empowering him to do all things. Like St. Paul, we also rejoice, not only because our power comes from God, but also because He will fully satisfy all our needs, especially removing the shroud and the sheet---oppressive darts of the evil one and evil people, sickness, addictions---cast over us, as well as wiping away our tears. Because God who has called us is faithful, He will fulfill all His promises to us (1 Thessalonians 5:24) on this mountain. But He needs our faithfulness; He requires our response.
His deep sense of contentment notwithstanding, Paul was not insensitive to others' needs, and he was grateful to the Philippian Christians for sharing a similar sensitivity. As referenced in verse 14, the church at Philippi had sent Paul gifts while he was in Thessalonica (see vv. 15-16). Contrary to his customary policy, Paul accepted their help and assured the Philippians that their generosity to him would not go unanswered; God would attend to all their needs and, in the end, bless them with a share of glory (vv. 19-20). Paul’s challenging message for the first-century Church has lost none of its significance over the centuries. . . Christians will be content and able to cope with life to the degree that they are authentically committed to and centered on Christ.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the wedding feast prepared by a king for his son. Calves and fattened cattle were killed, and a long list of guests is drawn up, which includes the wealthiest and most respected people in the kingdom. Clearly, he wants a wedding feast that will be remembered with joy by his son and the prospective daughter-in-law. When everything is ready, the guests are summoned. But they refused to come. Instead, they pursued their own travel and work plans. The king resorted to an unheard-of move; he invited all kinds of people. Can you imagine a powerful leader inviting laborers, farmers, fishermen, urban poor, and even beggars and others to a wedding celebration? But there is yet another surprise. All are invited – sinners and righteous, unworthy and worthy persons, but not all are allowed to stay. Jesus explains that though the Kingdom of God is open to all, accepting the invitation means accepting the responsibility and challenge of Christian discipleship.
If we accept the invitation, we must put on “wedding garments” (v. 11). The insistence on wearing wedding garments is a warning to each of us about the future. So we must clothe ourselves in the garment of virtuous living or a good life. Mere membership in the church, religious organizations, church ministries, or charitable institutions does not guarantee us salvation. To own salvation, we must live virtuously. There are several signs by which we may lose God's invitation to be in His Kingdom. Like such attitudes and actions as: “I will not attend or hear Mass because I have to do my laundry today”; “I will not attend Mass this Sunday because I have unfinished business transaction, anyway, I’ll attend next Sunday”; “I’ll not attend the meeting this Sunday because it’s our family day and our household meeting or not feeling well or I’ll go to the market, anyway Christ will understand my situation.” By saying, “Christ will understand my situation”, we are bribing God by presenting our situation to Him, yet we are given so much time and so many opportunities to do all those things. We hurt God.
