“Tell those who have been invited,’ he said, ‘that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.’ But they were not interested” (Matthew 22:4-6)

Jesus is telling this parable to the chief priests and elders of the people. The wedding feast is the kingdom of heaven and the Church, the new people of God, is the bride.

All are destined to be invited. This was the mission of St. Paul. To take the invitation to the gentiles or non-Jews. Everyone is welcome.

This Gospel for last Sunday’s Mass mentions a man who didn’t have the right wedding clothes and the king ordered him to be thrown out into the dark. The story finishes, “for many are called but few are chosen.”

The son in the story is Jesus and the ungrateful guests are the Jewish leaders.

The man without the wedding garment is like those without the right disposition.

A banquet is where all are happy and joyful. The bride – the Church are those living the way of Christ and trusting in him. Heaven is the culmination of the banquet.

Going with the flow leads nowhere. Seeking the right way with integrity trusting in providence takes courage. This applies to all including those in power.