Ezekiel 36:23-28
Psalm 50(51):12-15,18-19
Matthew 22:1-14
Today the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Queen and Mother of all saints in both the present time and in the anticipated future. Through her immaculate conception, she became the Mother of all and the new ark of the covenant.
As the new Eve, she exemplified flawless faith and obedience. Throughout her life, she consistently chose to cooperate perfectly with God’s divine plan. While she is being glorified, her work with humanity is ongoing as she continues to beckon us into a grace-filled life with God through her apparitions.
In today’s gospel, we encounter the generosity of a king who extended invitations to his banquet, starting with those he originally invited and then to others. This narrative also sheds light on the attitudes of those who did not take the host seriously. It prompts us to reflect on the seriousness with which we hold our commitments. How deeply are we dedicated to our calling?
God has extended an invitation to his banquet to everyone, and we are all cherished in his sight. Just as a shepherd wouldn’t lose a sheep, a jeweler wouldn’t lose a diamond, a mother wouldn’t lose a child, and a person wouldn’t lose a limb, the Lord would not lose a single one of his redeemed people.
While many may not always respond to God’s invitation to partake in the abundance of the table, and even those who we might expect to be the first invitees refuse to join the feast, God remains unyielding in his generous invitations.
All are called, yet not everyone chooses to accept, and many take this invitation for granted. This choice lies with us and not with God. Whatever our stature may be, if we belong to the Lord, we can rejoice in being preserved in Jesus Christ.
Fr Joseph Osho