First Reading: Rom 12:5-16a; Psalm: 131. R. v.; Gospel: Lk 14:15-24

DIVINE INVITATION

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

One of the ways friends show their loyalty to one another is being there for each other when the time matters a lot. Memorable celebrations like weddings, priestly ordinations, religious professions, graduation ceremonies, birthday parties, and whatnot, can only be more special and memorable when those who are so dear to us honour our invitation to these ceremonies. But when those we considered as friends begin to turn their backs on us with excuses in moments like this; it can cut deep. It usually comes with the feeling that we are unimportant to them. It hurts even more to remember that we’ve always been there for these same friends who turned us down.  

The parable of the great banquet resonates this reality that even friends can fail or disappoint us when we need them around us. But unlike the disappointment from friends that has no serious consequences; this very parable warns us of the grave repercussion of turning down the invitation of God, the great king. God is always there for us. In fact, we owe our existence to God because our soul and the air that we breathe are all God’s. So, we can begin to understand what it means to disregard the invitation of God who is the source and origin of our life and existence. The invitation of God is sacrosanct and we should respect it. So, when does God invite us?

God invites us to his banquet every Sunday and holy days obligation to participate in his Eucharistic feast. God invites us to commune with him in prayer when we sleep and when we rise; when we want to make important decisions in life, and every other minutes of the day. God invites us to come to him in the sick, the poor, the hungry, and the vulnerable. God also invites us to share in his life through love and forgiveness. When we turn down these invitations, we disregard God and are ungrateful for all that we have and are. And Jesus warns; “For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” To turn down God’s invitation is to turn down eternal life.  

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us by your grace to respond to your invitation always. Amen.