Why is a garment important to being part of the King’s banquet? Who honours an invitation of such great magnitude and cares less about the outfit? You may say God is not interested in our outer garments; truly so. The connection between a banquet and an appropriate garment is something that easily speaks to us, even in our own context.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a mountain feast where the old veils of mourning, shame, ignorance, and death will be changed forever (see Is.25:6-10). In the gospels, the Great Feast is put in the context of the divine invitation and human responses (see Matt.22:1-14; Lk.14:15-24). Let us attempt to unpack our theme from two perspectives: cultural and pastoral.
Culturally, it was not uncommon for the host of a wedding banquet to make available a closetful of festive garments for guests. Perhaps this explains why it became a thing of concern when one of the many who were called in from the street to be part of the banquet was found to be without a garment (see Matt.22:12).
The pastoral dimension highlights both an immediate response to this invitation and the eventual outcome of our rejection at the end of time. Through the one sacrifice of the cross, the Lord has made available for all a participation in his divine life. Responding to the King’s invitation, therefore, introduces one to a life of contentment. Paul embraced this invitation and could rightly say, “I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything anywhere: full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty…” (Philippians 4:12-14,19-20).
Again, it requires a change of garment and repentance from all “irregularities.” We must avoid interpreting God’s allowance as an enthronement of irregularities. An irregularity occurs when we treat with contempt objects of contemplation. An irregularity occurs when we deny our nakedness and pretend to be rightly dressed in sin. These irregularities are found in various forms of excuses why we should not respond to God’s invitation or respond with no intention of genuine conversion.
My friend, make no mistake about it; God’s love is universal, and to remain in his love requires a sincere call to be dressed in the garment of his laws.Happy Sunday and God’s blessings upon you and family. Amen
– Fr. Pius A.