Today’s Gospel:  Luke 14: 15-24

REFLECTION
We all make excuses, we end up being asked to do things or being invited to places we don’t really want to go, we say ‘yes’ at the time, and then try to worm out of it later on.

Jesus’ speaks to us in today's parable about the character of God and the banquet prepared for us all who are invited.  Jesus reminds us that we are all invited to share in God's feast, regardless of whether we think we are worthy, regardless of whether we think we deserve it – it’s a gift of grace. A gift of God who continues to show his invited people generosity and love.

We are God’s invited people. Whether you see yourself as a guest who’s just on their way in, still trying to find yourself a good seat, or you see yourself as one of the true believers who has heard the call and is ready to spread the word; You are on God’s guest list.

Sometimes it’ll be an excuse, people never seem to be short of a reason why they won’t accept faith into their lives, and when we hear those reasons – we have to look to this parable for an example of how we should react. Instead of getting frustrated and saying ‘well I won’t ask anyone again’, we have to be patient and just ask other people. Maybe people whom we hadn’t thought of.

The work of relaying God’s word to the world is still a work-in-progress for us today. In the parable the last part is the host telling his servants to go out and get more guests. But it doesn’t end with the table being full; it ends with the task of finding more people to share in the banquet still in progress. So let us spread the word – there are still seats left.

- MA

Today’s Reading:  Philippians 2: 5-11

PRAYER
Father Almighty,  grant me the grace to be able to respond to your invitation and not make excuses for not complying.  Help me to encourage people and invite them to share in your banquet, too.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.