Jesus is headed toward the cross. He has made his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, and Matthew's gospel contrasts that with the rejection the king who invites guests, and invites them again, experiences when the guests do not come, and, as we study this week's parable, when one comes not dressed for the occasion.
As our homilists, The Rev. Frank Logue, and Samuel Zumwalt in "Ready for the Feast," point out, some Christians and "Christian" leaders through the centuries have used this to justify ant-semitism, or a more subtle exclusionism. What do you think the point of the parable is when the king has the guest bound and removed from the feast? How does this fit the image of a merciful God? We have discussed God's judgment, and our judgment, and themes of justice, mercy, righteousness, grace and forgiveness as well as repentance this year. How does this week's parable relate to those themes? What do you think the robe stands for? Can you think of other passages where clothing is used as a metaphor or serves to make a point?
Last week Fr. Gil told us to be doers of the word, not hearers only, considering James telling us that faith without works is dead. Does that relate to this week's parable? What about Peter's denial of Jesus? Comparing Peter's denial with this parable, what does Jesus tell us about being received into the kingdom - and at the Table and feast of heaven?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer contrasts "cheap grace" and "costly grace". "Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves ..the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance ..grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. ..Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." God invites each of us to his banquet that we may share in his joy. Are you ready to feast at the Lord's banquet table?
Conclude this lesson with a reading of Psalm 23.
I look forward to our discussion this week.
"Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our God the Almighty has begun; let us be glad and joyful and give praise to God, because this is the time for the marriage of the Lamb. His bride is ready, and she has been able to dress herself in dazzling white linen, because her linen is made of the good deeds of the saints."
Revelation 19:7-8
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