Daily Readings - Sun Oct 15 2017
Isaiah
6On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine- the best of meats and the finest of wines.7On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;8he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.9In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."10The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain; but Moab will be trampled under him as straw is trampled down in the manure.
Philippians
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
1Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:2"The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.3He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.4"Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'5"But they paid no attention and went off--one to his field, another to his business.6The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.7The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.8"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.9Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.'10So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and 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.