Matthew 22:3
He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.
Have you ever gotten a last minute invitation to attend a swanky gala, but didn't have anything to wear? You weren't prepared for the great opporunity that fell into your lap. Maybe you had a chance to go to a big ball game with some free tickets, but you passed because you had too many other things going on. Later on when you were free, another big game was approaching and you wanted those tickets, but were not asked again. That has happened to me and may have happened to you too. Sometime when an opportunity comes, you need to jump at it.
In Matthew's gospel today, Jesus compares heaven to a great king who invited people to a great feast he was hosting. But the people didn't come; they were too busy with work, activities, or other things to care. The king became angry and didn't invite them again. Jesus invites us to the great banquet of the eucharist every Sunday, in fact, every day if you want. He invites us to partake in a heavenly feast. Do you jump at the chance, or are you too busy? Maybe you think, "l'll go next week," but next week doesn't happen because something tragic has happened to you. Jesus wants you to come to the banquet today. If you've been away from church for a long time, the doors are still open for you. All are welcome. Come to the banquet this weekend.
