Daily Readings - Sun Oct 15 2017
First Reading - Isaiah 25.6-10a
Isaiah
6And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.7And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.10For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
Second Reading - Philippians 4.12-14, 19-20
Philippians
12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel - Matthew 22.1-10
Matthew
1And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,3And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.4Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:6And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.10So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished 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.