Mrs. Thatcher.   The name provokes strong reactions. But ...

One year when the Conservative Party Conference was in Blackpool, a popular restaurant was crammed full of delegates, including the Iron Lady.    Only one large table remained empty, and the proprietor was obviously upset that his booking had let him down on such a lucrative evening.   Embarrassed that Conservatives were being given a bad name, Mrs. Thatcher whipped out her cheque book and wrote out a cheque for a large sum.  She then nudged Lord Saatchi seated beside her and obliged him to do the same – presumably he could afford it.   Honour was saved.   Only subsequently did it turn out that the missing party were not Conference participants and did not vote Tory ...

Appointments not being kept.   A scourge of many lives, including mine, where they have included such varieties as deciding to call off a wedding the day before but not telling me.  

Not that this Gospel passage refers to any old invitation.   This is the Great Dinner, the image of eternal life.

Jesus was used to people not turning up or delaying the event. But this is not Jesus’ meal.  True, it is a banquet for “the son’s wedding”, but the father is the host.    Jesus’ meal, the Last Supper, was well enough attended, even including the traitor Judas.     Subsequently, as we know, most of the apostles failed to keep the appointment at Calvary, but Jesus did not then callout for vengeance.       But this is his Father’s meal, and that deserves the greatest respect.

The story is another of those about the Chosen People and the outsiders.   Who will accept that this is the great “Today”?    If the Chosen will not, the Gentile riff-raff must take over.

‍But who is this man without the wedding garment, an d how could he be expected to have one?    Let us say straight away that it is nothing to do with ‘not having enough time to go to the hire department’.    

When Jesus speaks in this way, he may seem alarming, but let us say that rather than being a bomb it is more like a firework.     It does give a loud bang, but also offers a bright display of colour for those who wish to behold.    It is a way of opening our eyes.

What is the garment?   Some say it is charity.   Others that it is conviction and resolve, thinking of the young man wearing a linen garment at Gethsemane (Mark 14) who, when they seized Jesus, “fled naked, leaving his garment behind”. The wedding garment may also represent a fundamental attitude to life.    The absence of such a garment can point to those who respond not with eagerness but with a sullen “Oh OK then, I suppose so”.  

But especially the wedding garment may completely exclude any attitude of smugness at having taken the place of others.    Many Biblical texts speak of the simple joy and openness of God’s invitation to all of us.      In that remarkable Biblical love poem the Song of Songs, there is the simplest and purest expression of joy and wonder.   “How beautiful you are!” says the girl to her beloved, “How your face surpasses all other men!”   And in return the man answers:  “How beautiful you are, my beloved!”    All this represents the relationship between God and humans.    There is no bitterness, no holding back.

So the wedding garment represents a proper response to God’s wonderful invitation.    A proper response totally avoids taking pleasure in other people having been excluded.  Otherwise receiving the invitation would be like winning an important race when somebody else has been disqualified on a technicality.  It doesn’t really feel like winning.  

That is not the way for us to go.   God is not mocked.   If we go that way, we try to enter the wedding banquet dressed like the wedding guest of the Gospel.   In that case we might as well not turn up.    And unfortunately God, unlike Mrs. Thatcher, won’t just step in and pay the bill.

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Readings

Psalm 22 - In the Lord's own house I will dwell for ever and ever / The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want / He guides me along the right path / You have prepared a banquet for me / Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me.

Can I sing this famous hymn with real meaning in my heart and in my everyday living? Do I rely totally on the providence of God?

Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 - Paul reflects on his life and notes that there is nothing he cannot master with the help of the One who gives him strength:  He acknowledges the companionship he received and prays that God will fulfil the Philippians' needs.

Reflecting on this passage

1. Learn contentment regardless of circumstances.

2. Depend on Christ's strength daily.

3. Support others in practical ways.

4. Trust God to provide for my needs.

5. Respond to God's faithfulness with gratitude and worship.

Prayer of Intercession

Lord Jesus, teach me the secret of contentment. Whether I experience abundance or need, help me rest in Your presence and strength. Make me generous toward others and trusting in Your provision. May my life bring glory to You, and may I give thanks for Your faithfulness in every season.

Gospel: Matthew 22: 1-14 - The parable of the wedding banquet: the invited guests would not attend - the servants gathered guests from the highways ... many are called, few are chosen.

The Danger of Indifference

The invited guests do not simply reject the invitation; they are indifferent. They return to their farms and businesses, placing other concerns before the king's call.

Reflection: The greatest obstacle to faith is not always hostility but distraction. Everyday responsibilities can gradually occupy the space that belongs to God.

• How aware am I of God's daily invitations?

• Do I recognize His grace as a gift rather than something earned?

• How inclusive is my own welcome of others?

• What occupies most of my attention and energy?

• Are there ways I am ignoring God's invitation because of busyness?

• What priorities might need reordering?

Bidding prayer

Lord help us to be always aware of your constant invitations in our daily life to be ready to welcome the stranger in our midst. Help us to overcome indifference towards our neighbour and fellow parishioners that may we always be ready to offer appropriate help and assistance to the least of your brothers and sisters in need.

These hymns have been chosen from various sources:

At the Lamb's high feast (CFE58, L269)

I heard the voice of Jesus say (L795)

I know that my redeemer lives (CFE875, L441)

All are welcome (L458)

Praise to the Lord the almighty (CFE608, L706/601)

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Key

CFE - Celebration Hymnal for Everyone

L – Laudate

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