YEAR B: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: “FOR MANY ARE INVITED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN”

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mt. 22:1-14) Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel Jesus again told them another parable. This time He portrayed the Kingdom as a wedding banquet where many were invited but did not respond to the invitation. Even the one who responded was rejected because he was not “dressed for the occasion.” This says that entry into the Kingdom is not automatic for those who want to enter it but requires a certain status or condition. To be chosen means to have been faithful and obedient to God. The dress here is not a garment but a status of the soul.

There is no question about those who rejected the invitation. They have made their decision to separate themselves from God. But those who decide otherwise must still fulfill certain conditions. They must be repentant and resolved never to offend God anymore. They must constantly communicate with God. They must show dependence and obedience to God. And must do acts of charity towards neighbor. In other words, they must be good disciples. The garment worn in baptism must have become part of life.

Did God want only few to be saved? Definitely not! When Jesus died on the cross, He died for ALL! Jesus was giving a warning here. He must have seen how people were responding to wedding invitations then. The Kingdom is a more serious thing. Jesus wanted to be certain His audience understood Him so that they will not miss the opportunity to enter the Kingdom. Are you ready for the Kingdom? Are you “dressed for the occasion?”