Fr. Martin Ali Keke Ndemsou sx
Reflection on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Whenever we are invited to a special celebration such as marriage, ordination, birthday party etc. we do feel honored. But when we reject the invitation, we hurt the one who sent it to us. If being invited by someone is a source of honor for us, how much more the invitation to be with God which is always open for us.
Indeed, God invites us at all times to enter his Kingdom where there is salvation, which is described very well in the first reading taken from the prophet Isaiah: “The Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food and juicy, of fine strained wines.” This description is also found in the Psalm: “You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.”
Again, God ceaselessly invites everyone to enter his Kingdom where there is no segregation. That is why, in the Gospel parable, when those who had been invited refused to answer the invitation of the king, he extended it to all kinds of people; he universalized it. “The wedding is ready; but those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” Therefore, salvation is catholic that is universal, for all.
In fact, Saint Paul says: “God wants everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1Tm2:4). This can motivate us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven (cf. The Nicene Creed). The spreading of the good news should not have borders. Let us keep inviting people to enter God’s Kingdom, especially during this missionary month, although some people might reject our invitation.
Jesus, the missionary par excellence, did not give up his mission to save the whole world in spite of having been rejected by his own people. Let us learn from him who said: “Take up my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest” (Mt11:29). And like Saint Paul in the second reading, we should be ready for anything anywhere: full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty.
Reflection on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Whenever we are invited to a special celebration such as marriage, ordination, birthday party etc. we do feel honored. But when we reject the invitation, we hurt the one who sent it to us. If being invited by someone is a source of honor for us, how much more the invitation to be with God which is always open for us.
Indeed, God invites us at all times to enter his Kingdom where there is salvation, which is described very well in the first reading taken from the prophet Isaiah: “The Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food and juicy, of fine strained wines.” This description is also found in the Psalm: “You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.”
Again, God ceaselessly invites everyone to enter his Kingdom where there is no segregation. That is why, in the Gospel parable, when those who had been invited refused to answer the invitation of the king, he extended it to all kinds of people; he universalized it. “The wedding is ready; but those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” Therefore, salvation is catholic that is universal, for all.
In fact, Saint Paul says: “God wants everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1Tm2:4). This can motivate us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven (cf. The Nicene Creed). The spreading of the good news should not have borders. Let us keep inviting people to enter God’s Kingdom, especially during this missionary month, although some people might reject our invitation.
Jesus, the missionary par excellence, did not give up his mission to save the whole world in spite of having been rejected by his own people. Let us learn from him who said: “Take up my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest” (Mt11:29). And like Saint Paul in the second reading, we should be ready for anything anywhere: full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty.