(Edited) Sunday reflections: (from) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
October 12, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14
"They rounded up everyone they met, bad as well as good."
Some parables of Jesus involve the theme of God's judgment. This parable of the wedding feast is a good example. God is represented by the king who gave a big banquet for his son's wedding. When the king gave out the invitations through his servants, some of those invited created trouble. And so the king expressed his anger by sending his army and burning their city. But since the feast for his son had already been prepared, the king still sent out his servants to invite anyone they could see. As all kinds of people were invited, the wedding hall was filled with guests, both good and bad.
How does tradition interpret this parable? According to St. Thomas of Aquinas, the banquet in the parable is like the Eucharistic banquet. In the Eucharist, all are invited to come and partake of it - both saints and sinners. All are healed and comforted. Sins are purged away. Virtues are increased. Souls are enriched with an abundance of every spiritual gift. All Catholics of all walks of life are privileged to receive these wonderful effects of the Eucharistic celebration. And the Eucharist is not exclusive; it is inclusive. But even if the invitation is for all, many "ignore it, go their way to their farm or to their business". And others even lay hold of its servants, "insulting them and killing them" - as the many martyrs of Church history attest to.
Jesus instituted the Eucharist for all, to strengthen the good that is in all people, and to purge away what is bad. Others do not see or are ignorant of the value of the Eucharist. But there must be respect for their belief and reserve the final judgment to God. In time, as God sees fit, He will enter others' lives, and make them aware of the great spiritual treasures that the Eucharist can bestow upon all people. The Eucharist is meant for all. It is the reason for the mission: it is the reason the Church goes on mission to make the gospel known. And the spiritual treasure of healing, gratitude and joy which the Eucharist can give is a blessing all can partake of.
Scripture quote:
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples...a feast of rich food and choice wines...The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth." (Isaiah 25)
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