Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Gospel reading
Matthew 22:1-14
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying:
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’
But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’
Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless.
Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Summary
Jesus tells a story about a king who prepares a wedding feast for his son. The invited guests refuse to come. Some focus on their work, while others hurt and kill the king’s servants. The king punishes those responsible.
He then sends his servants into the streets to invite everyone they find, both good and bad. The wedding hall fills with people. However, one guest is not wearing wedding clothes and is sent outside.
The story teaches us that God invites everyone into his kingdom. We are called to accept his invitation and allow his love to change our lives. The wedding clothes represent a changed heart shown through good actions. Our faith should shape how we treat others each day.
Reflection Questions
1. What keeps me too busy to make time for God, and how could I make more space for him this week?
2. How can I show that I accept God’s invitation through kindness, forgiveness or care for someone who feels left out?
Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving Father,
Thank you for inviting us to share in your love.
Help us make time for you in our busy lives.
Forgive us when we turn away from you.
Through your Holy Spirit, change our hearts so that our words and actions show your goodness.
Help us welcome others as you welcome us.
May we follow Jesus with faith, kindness and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Reconciliation
Session 1 of Reconciliation preparation is this Wednesday night at 6:30pm at St Kilian's Hall.
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