HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (3)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: The most unpopular Invitation?

BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 18 2022

Ezek.36:23-28; Ps.50; Matt.22:1-14

We look at the gospel reading of today and we roll our eyes and say “What was wrong with that crowd? Who rejects an invitation for the King Son’s wedding?” Wait a moment! If we were to get a special invitation to attend P Square’s birthday bash, or Kiss Daniel’s Album launch, or even Vice President Osinbanjo’s dinner party, I’m sure we wouldn’t miss the opportunity for the world. But how come we don’t pay that much attention to the invitation we get directly from God? There are those who regard Church, worship, Mass… with the utmost suspicion and disdain.

Friends, those who turned down the King’s invitation, for different personal reasons, had their invitations withdrawn. Then there was the one who accepted the invitation and came without the right garment. He too, though present, was thrown out into the outer darkness. This means that it’s not enough to accept the invitation to follow Jesus Christ. We must go further to conform our thoughts, words and deeds to befit being in God’s presence. It’s time to heed God’s call, wear the right attitude, allow God’s clean water wash our dirty garments, that we may find a spot at the banquet table. Finally, it’s time to take that invitation much more seriously. No excuse can exonerate us from this basic responsibility.

Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.