The feast is ready. Will we come?
There is something wonderfully extravagant about a feast.
The table is prepared.
The food is abundant.
The wine is poured.
Everything is ready.
All that remains is for the guests to come.
That image runs through today’s readings. Isaiah dreams of the day when God will gather all peoples on the holy mountain for “a feast of rich food and choice wines.” Tears will be wiped away. Death will be destroyed. The veil that separates God’s people will be lifted.
Jesus takes up that same image in today’s Gospel.
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.”
The invitations go out. Astonishingly, people refuse to come.
Some are too busy. Some simply walk away. Others violently reject the messengers who bring the invitation.
But the feast is still ready.
So the king throws open the doors.
“Go out into the streets.
Invite everyone you find.
The good and the bad.
Fill the hall.”
This is the generosity of God.
God never seems to tire of inviting us.
Come to the table.
Come into the kingdom.
Come into a life larger than the one you have made for yourself.
But then the parable takes an unsettling turn.
Among all those gathered at the feast is one guest who is not wearing a wedding garment. When the king asks why, the man has nothing to say.
What are we to make of this strange detail?
Perhaps the wedding garment reminds us that grace is freely offered—but grace also changes us.
We cannot accept God's invitation and remain exactly as we were.
To enter the feast is to put on something new: compassion instead of indifference, forgiveness instead of resentment, generosity instead of selfishness, hope instead of despair.
It is the garment of conversion. And none of us weaves that garment alone.
Saint Paul assures us today: “My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
God invites us.
God feeds us.
God gives us what we need to become the people we are called to be.
Every Eucharist is a foretaste of that great banquet Isaiah imagined. Once again, the table is prepared. Once again, Christ invites saints and sinners alike to gather around it.
The feast is ready.
The invitation has been sent.
What will we wear to the banquet?
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon If You, O Lord, Should Mark Iniquities (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #181
This antiphon text from Psalm 130 emphasizes the mercy of God.
Entrance Chant You Are Welcome Here (Chris Muglia)
Breaking Bread #302
There is an appealing warmth to this song that makes it well suited for today as we reflect on God’s generous invitation to the Eucharistic feast.
Responsorial Psalm I Shall Live in the House of the Lord (PJ Anderson)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 314
PJ Anderson’s verbatim setting of Psalm 23 is a spirited rendition of the Psalm of the Shepherd, who spreads a lavish table before us.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 316
This Gospel Acclamation is drawn from Mass of Restoration, a prayerful guitar-based Mass setting that is equally at home with contemporary and traditional choirs and ensembles. We invite you to hear the entire setting here.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Put on Christ (Bob Hurd)
Spirit & Song #127; Never Too Young #234
What garment are you wearing the banquet? In this soulful ballad, Bob Hurd says, “Put on Christ.”
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon When the Lord Appears [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #183
This text of Antiphon Option 2 looks forward to the heavenly banquet.
Communion Chant A Place at Your Table (Ben Walther)
Breaking Bread #351
There is room for everyone at the table of the Lord. Ben Walther’s engaging melody extends a warm invitation to Communion.
Sending Forth Your Grace Is Enough (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #374; Never Too Young #112; Breaking Bread #590
The driving beat and syncopation of this popular song have inspired countless young people to accept God’s invitation to holiness.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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