The Invitation to His Feast

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 12:26 pm Post subject: The Invitation to His Feast

The Invitation to His Feast

Scripture:

And the Lord of hosts shall make unto all people in this mountain, a feast of fat things, a feast of wine, of fat things full of marrow, of wine purified from the lees. And he shall destroy in this mountain the face of the bond with which all people were tied, and the web that he began over all nations. He shall cast death down headlong for ever: and the Lord God shall wipe away tears from every face, and the reproach of his people he shall take away from off the whole earth: for the Lord has spoken it. And they shall say in that day: Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord, we have patiently waited for him, we shall rejoice and be joyful in his salvation. For the hand of the Lord shall rest in this mountain: and Moab shall be trodden down under him, as straw is broken in pieces with the wain.
(Isaiah 25:6-10)

I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound (every where and in all things I am instructed): both to be full and to be hungry: both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation.

And may my God supply all your want, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.
(Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20)

And Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come you to the marriage. But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm and another to his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated them contemptuously, put them to death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.

Then he said to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he said to him: Friend, how came you in hither not having on a wedding garment? But he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.
(Matthew 22:1-14)

Reflection:

To understand the ways of God is to understand the ways of love. As we turn to Him, we may learn the blessings of humility and selflessness. As we live by His Word, we are set free from selfishness and the temptations to which it drives us. The doors to joy and true happiness are opened. Those who come to Him receive the warmth of His light and the fullness of His love.

The arrogant are held prisoner by their desires. Their greed drives them to manipulate those who surround them to obtain what they have not earned. They are blinded to the harm which they cause and the weeping which flows in the absence of love. We need only look to the ways of the world to see the many examples of misery which enslave souls in the darkness.

God invites many to His feast so they shall receive all the blessings of His love, yet, despite all which He offers, many choose to turn away. They fail to see the blessings they set aside as they pursue desires of injustice. They seek to gather in what will turn to dust over that which paves the path to the eternal joys of His kingdom.

God invites even the lowly to His celebration. We should be grateful as we receive His invitation. We should wonder, how is it any would turn away from His feast? That is what we do as we give priority to the ways of the world. That is what we do as we follow the temptations of materialism. That is what we do as we mistreat one another. That is what we do as we allow injustice to flow from our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.

Though we are not worthy, let us not turn away from His call. With contrite hearts, let us receive His invitation. With sorrow for our transgressions, let us rejoice over His mercy. Let us approach His table and join in all the blessings of His eternal celebration.

Questions for further reflection:

What might we expect of the eternal celebration of God?

What are the blessings which may found at His feast?

What do we allow to keep us from His table?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier