October 11, 2020
Revised Common Lectionary
Exodus 32:1-14 or Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 or Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (6cd)
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-10 (11-14)
Everyone likes a feast, right? Don’t we all enjoy rich food and good wine set before us by a generous host? Who wouldn’t want to accept an invitation to such an event?
In the story that Jesus tells in today’s Gospel reading, the king has sent out invitations well in advance. When the banquet is ready, the host, unable to send text notifications, instead dispatches servants to summon the guests. The story takes a surprising turn when those who had been invited refuse to come. Remember, this feast isn’t just an ordinary party, but rather a great wedding banquet thrown by the king. One really shouldn’t decline that kind of invitation.
The king’s response to this snub is equally surprising. “You must not have understood,” he instructs his servants to tell the guests. “There’s a serious feast with great food waiting for you, so please come now.” The second set of snubs is worse than the first, with some of the invitees making light of the summons and others turning hostile and murderous toward the messengers.
What’s going on here? What kind of people would turn down the invitation to a royal wedding feast, much less respond with hostility? Those to whom Jesus was directing this parable—the religious leaders in Jerusalem—knew very well that he was taking aim at them. The story we hear today is the third in a series of parables that Jesus uses to call out their hypocrisy and failure of leadership. As the story continues to unfold, the king opens up the feast to anyone that his servants could find—the good and bad alike—recalling Jesus’ earlier declaration that the kingdom of God was being taken away from these unfaithful leaders and was instead being given to tax collectors and prostitutes.
Today this story is offered to us as both good news and prophetic challenge. The good news is that God’s great feast is ready and that we are on the guest list. The challenge is that we’re not alone and we don’t get to edit the roster. The invitation is extended to all, good and bad alike.
The food is ready, the wine is poured, and now the host bids us come—right now. Are you ready? The guests are pouring in, representing people of every land, race, language, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity, and political party. Can you let down the walls you’ve built to keep others at bay and share a feast with all of these people—even the ones whose food or music you don’t like or the individuals who make you uncomfortable or angry? Can you put on the wedding robe and “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col 3:12)? The invitation is accompanied by a challenge to become like the host who opens the banquet hall to everyone.
The feast is ready. Are we?
A Hymn for Today: “I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table”
This song was first published by the Hampton Institute in 1874 and was likely composed by an enslaved person. Like today’s readings from Isaiah 25 and Matthew 22, “The Welcome Table” looks forward with joyful anticipation to a feast of plenty where all are invited, welcomed, and fed. When sung during communion, it connects the table at which we gather to that hopeful vision of which the Lord’s Supper is a foretaste.
I’m gonna eat at the welcome table;
I’m gonna eat at the welcome table, Alleluia.
I’m gonna eat at the welcome table;
I’m gonna eat at the welcome table, Alleluia.
I’m gonna eat and drink with my Jesus;
I’m gonna eat and drink with my Jesus, Alleluia.
I’m gonna eat and drink with my Jesus;
I’m gonna eat and drink with my Jesus, Alleluia.
I’m gonna join with sisters, brothers;
I’m gonna join with sisters, brothers, Alleluia.
I’m gonna join with sisters, brothers;
I’m gonna join with sisters, brothers, Alleluia.
Here all the world will find a welcome;
Here all the world will find a welcome, Alleluia.
Here all the world will find a welcome;
Here all the world will find a welcome, Alleluia.
We’re gonna feast on milk and honey;
We’re gonna feast on milk and honey, Alleluia.
We’re gonna feast on milk and honey;
We’re gonna feast on milk and honey, Alleluia.
Text: African American spiritual, alt.
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.