Tuesday, October 22, 2002
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both
good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
To the surprise and dismay of the father, excuses came
pouring in. Some of them were ludicrous. One man, a real estate
speculator, had bought some property and needed to inspect it. At
night, nonetheless! Another couldn't leave his store. Others told
of similar conflicts. Excuses, excuses, excuses. Not a single
invitation was accepted. The father was angry. "Those so-and-
so's will never get another invitation from me," he grumbled. And
he sent some of his employees down into one of the worst sections
of town and said to them, "I'm going to have a banquet for my
son. Take whoever will come. Rich people, poor people,
respectable people, winos. I don't care. I want that dining hall
filled for that banquet. And his employees did just as they were
bid, and that night a festive occasion was had by all those who
came to the rehearsal dinner.
You recognize that story as an abbreviated and updated
version of Jesus' parable in the twenty-second chapter of
Matthew. There was a modern day equivalent to that story in the
newspapers recently, by the way. Kathleen Gooley was all set for
her wedding, had given the caterer a $4,000 non-refundable
deposit for the reception, and suddenly found herself without a
groom. Since she was out the money for the caterer anyway, she
contacted shelters for the homeless and drug rehabilitation
centers to compile her new guest list. She figured someone should
enjoy the banquet!
The obvious meaning behind Jesus' parable is that the
righteous people of his day rejected the Christ. Thus the Father
opened the invitation to His banquet to all who would come,
righteous and unrighteous alike. Those who reject the invitation
don't get a second chance, but to any who will come, the door is
open.
(Matthew 22.10
NRSV)
A wealthy father planned an extravagant rehearsal dinner
for his son's impending marriage. No expense was spared. An
elegant dining room at the town's most elite hotel was engaged.
Fresh lobster was flown in and thick, juicy steaks were
purchased. The finest linens were laid out and china and silver.
An orchestra was hired and valet service was arranged. Then
invitations were sent out to the elite of the community. "You are
invited to a rehearsal dinner. R.S.V.P."
God of hope, show me the way to fully accept your invitation everyday of my life. Amen.
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