" Go instead to the main streets, 

and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast ."

When the initially invited guests ignore the call or treat the king's messengers with violence,

the king sends his servants out to the highways and streets

to invite everyone they meet—both good and bad.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 25:6-10a

On this mountain

The Lord Sabaoth will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines,

meat full of marrow, fine wine strained. On this mountain he will destroy the pall cast over all peoples,

this very shroud spread over all nations, and death will be no more.

The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all cheeks and eyes;

he will take away the humiliation of his people all over the world: for the Lord has spoken.

On that day you will say: This is our God. We have waited for him to save us,

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For on this mountain the hand of the Lord rests.

 

Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4,5, 6 (6cd) 

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

I know what it is to be in want and what it is to have plenty.

I am trained for both: to be hungry or satisfied, to have much or little.

I can do all things in him who strengthens me. However, you did right in sharing my trials. 

God, himself, will provide you with everything you need, according to his riches,

and show you his generosity in Christ Jesus. Glory to God, our Father, for ever and ever: Amen.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus continued speaking to them in parables: "This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven:

A king gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to call the invited guests to the banquet,

but the guests refused to come. Again, he sent other servants, instructing them to say to the invited guests,

'I have prepared a banquet, slaughtered my fattened calves and other animals,

and now, everything is ready. Come to the wedding!' ut they paid no attention and went away,

some to their farms, and some to their work. Others seized the servants of the king, insulted them and killed them.

The king was furious. He sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.

 

Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is prepared, but the invited guests were not worthy.

Go instead to the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast.'

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, good and bad alike, so that the hall was filled with guests.

The king came in to see the wedding guests, and he noticed a man not wearing a wedding garment.

So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in without the wedding clothes?' But the man remained silent.

So the king said to his servants, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness,

where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

 

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Lectio Divina

Responding in faith is necessary.

 

Read: The prophet Isaiah describes a future feast where God will wipe away tears and eliminate death,

symbolizing hope and divine restoration. The second reading reveals Paul's contentment in all circumstances,

emphasizing reliance on God's provision and offering encouragement to others in faith.

In the gospel, the parable of the wedding banquet illustrates God's invitation to all people,

highlighting both acceptance and rejection of His call. These passages emphasize God's abundant grace,

the importance of responding to His invitation, and the assurance of His provision in our lives.

 

Reflect: The gospel reading illustrates God's open invitation to salvation is extended to all,

symbolizing His grace and desire for humanity to join Him at the heavenly banquet.

However, this invitation comes with an expectation: responding in faith is necessary.

Everyone is called to accept and embody God's grace through their actions and commitment to follow the Lord.

The man without proper attire signifies the necessity of transformation

– faith must be coupled with a genuine response to God's call.

To be worthy of the Father's feast, we must actively engage in our journey with our brothers and sisters,

embracing a life that reflects the Lord Jesus. 

 

Pray: Lord, help me be attuned to your voice daily and grant me the grace to respond appropriately.

 

Act: What does the Lord ask of you today? Act on it.