Daily Readings - Sun Oct 15 2023
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.
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.
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 gracious invitation and our response to it. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future feast on Mount Zion, where God will wipe away tears and remove the shroud of death, offering comfort and salvation to His people. This vision underscores God's enduring promise of restoration and joy, a messianic hope that transcends current sufferings.
In Philippians, Paul embodies this hope in his present circumstances, expressing contentment whether in abundance or need, trusting in Christ's strength. He thanks the Philippians for their support, assuring them of God's provision. This passage highlights the Christian virtue of trusting God's providence, knowing He meets all our needs.
The Gospel parable of the wedding feast serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's invitation. The king's generosity is met with indifference and violence, leading to the destruction of the ungrateful and the invitation being extended to all others. This parable calls us to readiness and openness to God's call, emphasizing that His invitation is universal, yet requires a willing heart.
In our daily lives, let us embrace God's invitation with gratitude and trust. May we, like Paul, find contentment in all circumstances, trusting in God's plan. As we look forward to the eternal feast, may we respond with eagerness, ensuring we are prepared to accept His invitation whenever it comes. Let us live with hearts open to God's will, trusting in His providence and rejoicing in His promises.