The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23A), Oct. 12, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Phil. 4:4-13; Matt. 22:1-14
RCL: Exod. 32:1-14 and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; or Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23; Phil. 4:1-9; Matt. 22:1-14
There is good reason to exalt our God, for as Paul’s Letter to the Philippians points out, we are not to worry about anything. We are to make known our requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4). This is a comforting thought. Episcopalians and other Anglicans who hear it are likely to be reminded of the final blessing of the Eucharist.
Paul elaborates a bit about not worrying when he writes that he has learned to be content with whatever he has, whether it is little or plenty, for he has experienced both. Some of us can identify with this. During a time of economic prosperity, we lacked nothing. But in recent weeks, as the economy turned sour, and hurricanes struck parts of this country and the Caribbean, more of us could identify with Paul’s words, “being in need.”
There is additional encouragement to be found in these lessons in the stressing of the importance of meals. The psalmist tells us that God prepares a meal for us in the presence of our enemies — a promising sign of his care of us, and an accurate reflection of his providence.
And the prophet Isaiah speaks of a heavenly banquet where only the best of food and wine will be served, a measure of how much God values his whole creation, and how much love he has for it. Eating together, when it finally occurred, was taken seriously. When an invitation was received and a response made, a commitment was created.
It was in this context that Jesus told the parable of the king who gave a feast, which is the gospel for today. No one could take an invitation from the king lightly or casually. If you were invited, you appeared at the right time and in the right dress. The appearance, after all, was a sign of the importance of the relationship. We should not take this relationship lightly.
Look It Up
Luke’s version of this gospel story (14:16-24) has a different emphasis.
Think About It
While the parables in this gospel focus on a wedding banquet, it is fairly obvious to see their connection to God’s kingdom.
Next Sunday
The 23rd Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 24A), Oct. 19, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm96 or 96:1-9; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22
RCL: Exod. 33:12-23 and Psalm 99; or Isaiah 45:1-7 and Psalm 96:1-9 (10-13); 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22
