Daily Readings - Sun Oct 15 2017
Isaiah
6On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.7And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations.8He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.9It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."10For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.
Philippians
12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.14Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
1And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,3and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.4Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.'5But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,6while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.7The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.8Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.9Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.'10And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on God’s universal invitation to His feast and our response to it. The Prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where all peoples are gathered on Mount Zion to share in a banquet of rich food and wine, where death and sorrow are no more. This vision is not just a promise of a distant future but also a call to trust in God’s providence and to live with hope, even in the midst of suffering.
The Second Reading from Philippians complements this vision by emphasizing St. Paul’s trust in God’s provision, regardless of circumstances. Paul’s words remind us that true contentment comes not from what we have but from knowing that God strengthens us in all things. This trust in God’s plan is the foundation for living a life of gratitude and humility, as we recognize that everything we have comes from Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s invitation. The king in the parable prepares a lavish feast, but those who are invited refuse to come, choosing instead their own pursuits. This refusal leads to the king opening the feast to all, both good and bad. The parable reminds us that God’s invitation is universal, and it is our responsibility to respond with openness and humility.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to God’s invitation in our own lives? Do we allow ourselves to be distracted by the cares of the world, or do we prioritize the feast of life that God offers us? Let us strive to live with gratitude for God’s gifts, trust in His providence, and openness to His call. May we humbly accept His invitation and share in the joy of His kingdom, both now and forever.