An invitation: proper dress required

The readings this Sunday all converge on a common image, that of a bountiful celebratory feast.  In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah describes it as “a feast of rich food and choice wines” (Is 25:6) that celebrates God’s salvation of every people. Similarly, the poetry of Psalm 23 crafts an image of a table being set by God for those in need (Ps 23:5). Even Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, rehearses how he has learned the secret of being well-fed in contrast to going hungry, confidently proclaiming that “My God will fully supply whatever you need in accordance with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). 

Accordingly, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus introduces his parable about a king who gives an elaborate wedding banquet for his son. While hard to imagine, both then and today, those guests so honored to be invited to this royal feast rejected the invitation. They simply refused outright to come. 

These negative responses, however, did not dissuade or discourage this ruler. Instead of being insulted or indignant as one might expect, the king did what would be unheard of then or today. He sent a further invitation to these same guests, explaining that the food had been prepared and everything was ready, as if pleading with them for their presence. 

Thus, one might expect out of sheer sympathy for the host or a sense of obligation, some of the invited guests would change their minds and plan to attend. Instead, the excuses rolled in. One claimed he had to be at his farm, another at his business, and some actually were so put off (as if the second invitation were an annoyance) that they harmed and even killed the king’s servants who had brought this second overture.

Of course, this banquet represents the Kingdom or presence of God to which all these folks were invited. St. Augustine once wrote that “Festivity is everlasting in the house of God.”  Thus, the parable discloses the absurdity of refusing to say “yes” to God’s call.

This king was not going to let those who refused his invitation determine whether or not this banquet will take place. He directed his servants to go out to the main roads and invite anyone and everyone, both the good and the bad, to the banquet. Eventually, the banquet hall was filled.  

Strangely, the story now digresses and adds a mini-parable focusing upon one guest who was present but not wearing wedding attire. Perhaps there is something required of guests in order to attend this banquet that this individual evidently lacked. Across Matthew’s Gospel we have been encouraged by Jesus’ example and teaching to put on Christ in cultivating loving relationships with one another and in seeking a relationship with our God. Perhaps that was the banquet attire this guest lacked. Whatever he lacked was serious enough to exclude him from this feast. In addition, it landed him in the dark, where there is wailing and grinding of teeth, symbolic of a place exactly opposite of the illuminated celebration at the banquet. 

Jesus ends the parable by claiming that “many are called, but few are chosen” (Mt 22:14). This statement often is understood that Jesus summons only a few to discipleship. In our own time, some have misunderstood the phrase “few are chosen” to refer only to those called to religious life. Actually “many” is a Semitic idiom for “all.” Likewise in most Semitic languages “few” means simply “not all.” 

Thus, when Jesus claims “many are called” he is really saying all are called. His invitation does include the caveat, however, that “not all” will be chosen for the banquet to which all are invited. A few, like this one individual will not be able to partake in the festivities. They evidently lack the required festival garment of a cultivated and loving relationship with Christ that clothes one in the Kingdom of God. 

Indeed, each one of us is among “the called,” and the opportunities to dress ourselves in the garment of the Gospel surround us. In our communities, isolated elderly need companionship.  The hungry of our cities require food. The poor endlessly hope for better neighborhoods, housing, and opportunities. Those suffering loss deserve comfort for their grief. Some denied a place in community long for inclusion. The list of good works that clothe us for the eternal banquet and disclose the here-and-now presence of Christ abounds. As we prepare for this eternal banquet and immerse ourselves in these works, let us join with Paul and claim with confidence, “I can do all things in him (Christ) who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

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