In faith there is enough light for those who want
to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
- Blaise Pascal It is not uncommon to experience such shadows along with light. Pray for the grace to grow in faith.
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Judges 11:29-39a
Psalm 40:5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in
parables: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. “Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.” But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his
servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king
came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him, “How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?” And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’
Reflection on the Scriptures
Matthew’s judgment parable is addressed to Pharisees and other Jewish leaders who have rejected Jesus and his followers. Carrying forward Isaiah’s image of the great eschatological feast, Matthew envisions a rich
wedding banquet to which all are invited, including Jesus’ opponents. And yet despite two requests, these invitees react with apathy, preoccupation, and violence, precipitating harsh punishment from the king. The call then goes out much further, including the Gentiles in Matthew’s audience. And yet even here Matthew is quick to remind his listeners that Christian salvation is not a membership club; one has to fulfill the call of baptism in faith and good works. -by Jay Carney
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis https://amzn.to/40FrikB Paperback and Kindle versions available BOOK
ONE: Thoughts Helpful in the Life of a Soul
The Second Chapter: Having a Humble Opinion of Self Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God. The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill.
Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?
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