Sunday 11th October, 19th Sunday after Trinity

Today’s Gospel reading – the parable of the Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) – is an allegory of the story of salvation. A king (God) throws a banquet for his son (Jesus) and invites his friends (Israel). Having agreed to come, when the reminder arrives not once but twice (via the Jewish prophets and the Christian missionaries) they refuse to come. Very put out, the King destroys their city (the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70) and extends the invitation to all and sundry, both good and bad (the expansion of the early Church to include the Gentiles). On arriving at the party, the King comes across someone who clearly hasn’t made an effort to dress appropriately, and has him thrown out.

Being an allegory, there are elements which don’t make realistic sense. For instance, having prepared the feast, does the King really have time to gather his army, declare war, and destroy an entire city before sitting down to dinner? And having just been called in literally off the street, could the wedding guest reasonably be expected to have found some party clothes?

But this is to miss the very simple point that Jesus is trying to make. The good news is that God has invited us into his banquet and that invitation is open to all. But to enjoy the banquet we have to actually turn up, make an effort and dress appropriately. So too with the Kingdom – God invites us to a life of justice, peace and love. RSVP.

Every blessing,

Roger