St. Bernard, August 20

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.--Psalm 40:8 and 9

Mass readings: Judges 11:29-39 / Matthew 22:1-14

I'm Invited

If I were throwing a party and no one wanted to come, what would I do? Cancel, cut my losses, nurse my hurt feelings, consider counseling. The king in today's Gospel parable is much more self-confident. Come heck or high water, he will have a party. If the invited guests turn him down, the loss is theirs. He'll find others.

In moments of weak faith, I can think of God as aloof, a distant deity with much larger issues on His mind than my petty worries. This parable reminds me that He is commandingly, passionately, personally interested in my salvation. He wants me at the party. My responsibility is to dress for the occasion: to make my life a garment worthy of the heavenly feast.

Prayer: Loving God, help me to live in a way that honors Your heavenly invitation.