Those hearing Jesus knew they were the ones Jesus was talking about and they certainly didn’t like the way the story ended. Jesus says how the King reacted to those who refused his invitation and then sent his servants out to the highways and byways and brought in others to celebrate this festive occasion.
It’s interesting that history seems to be repeating itself. Every Sunday we are invited to celebrate a special Eucharistic banquet in honor of God’s Son, Jesus. It is a standing invitation to come and celebrate and to be one with each other and God. We gather together to give thanks to God for sending His Son into our world and freeing us from sin and death….AND giving us Eternal life…. But, as in times past, so many people today are just too busy, too tired, too involved with other interests, or simply not interested…. too spent perhaps …to respond to this invitation.
I think it’s by invitation and example that those who come to Mass on a regular basis can help others to see how important it is to center our lives around this most holy banquet. We as Catholics believe that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives, spiritual and temporal, for it is within the context of these sacred mysteries that we are renewed and strengthen for all that life throws at us. And for many, life is coming at them hard. If our lives reflect the presence of Christ, others will notice that uniqueness and that may spark some interest for them. If others see that there is a connection between what we receive from the Eucharist and how we handle the misfortunes of life, make sacrifices for our families - running the kids around to soccer practice, religious ed. classes and piano lessons, doing the shopping and chores - contribute to our community, they may want to find the source of that strength and experience the interior joy and peace that comes from the Eucharist for themselves. As they say… “Imitation is the best form of flattery.”
The banquet is prepared, the table is set, we all have our reservations that adds to “Bring a friend.” Do you have someone in mind you would like to invite to this banquet?
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacs engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those thinking of coming into or leaving it.
OTHER RESOURCE
Recommended Reading: Return of the Prodigal Son by renown Catholic Priest Henri Nouwen evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.
Recommended YouTube Video: Henri Nouwen - Life of the Beloved . Listen to this spiritual master on how to experience the wonder of being God’s “Beloved”.
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