First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10


We don’t have to be told there is a difference between a meal and a feast, or a banquet, for that matter. Meals we have every day, without them we wouldn’t last long. Feats are special. They are occasions when there is not only plenty of food, but our favourite foods, drinks and company. This, surprisingly, is the image of God’s kingdom, both in this world and the next, put forward by scripture.



Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20


It is no wonder Paul says he can put up with a lot. He knows God can give him all he wants and for more. It is dangerous to see God as a person just like us, with the same feelings and ways of expressing them. Paul could find God in celebrations like banquets but also in hunger and poverty. He had faith in God’s generosity and his ability to do anything he wants.



Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14


Here we can see the scope of God’s lavishness. His thoughtfulness and generosity are not only without limit but they also extend to everyone, everywhere. However, there is a danger of presuming too much on God’s understanding and tenderness. There are times in Scripture when Jesus shows us another aspect of God, like todays. The host in the parable story actually gets angry when his invitation is ignored and he was not very tolerant of the man without the ‘wedding garment’. It was not a case of, ‘Come if you can,’ or, ‘They’ll be sorry when they hear what they missed.’ No, he said, those who do not respond to the invitation and make preparations will have serious reasons for regrets.