Accepting God's Invitation to Grace - Weekday Homily Video

Jesus uses daily life images to put across an important teaching about the nature of our calling as believers. The image of a banquet is something that we are all familiar with. We have been engaged in arranging and inviting people to attend ceremonies of various kinds. And by sending out the invitations early, we hope that people will rework their schedules and honor the invitation with their attendance. It is embarrassing if people don’t show up and food has already been prepared. 

Jesus puts out this parable about those invited that did not show up.  

• The parable seems to indicate first, that they had initially said yes to the invitation and at the last minute came up with excuses, while the second group, the invitation was sent out the last minute, and they found a challenge to let go whatever they were attached to in order to be able to attend the banquet.  

• Most likely, a sign that they placed their trust in other things over the relationship with one who had invited them, their priorities lay somewhere else other than with God who had sent out the invitation.  

• It was difficult for them to choose spending time celebrating with the loving God over whatever else they were doing. Hence business took precedence over God’s relationship with them, goods and possessions distracted them from an endearing love they were to enjoy with God. In other words, crowding out time for what would be a precious encounter with God in joyful gathering. 

For us now, God never meant for our possessions, family relationships to be used selfishly. We serve God best when we invite him into our work and homes, and when we share or being generous with our giftedness. 

God’s invitation is an invitation of Grace, undeserved, unmerited and kindness. The Grace that allows us to embrace the joy and happiness as well as the challenges of surrendering fully to God’s will and presence.  

Grace is given freely but, one that is costly; it is not grace without the cross. It is grace that requires dropping all areas that distract our mindful attentiveness to God’s presence. It is grace that calls us to follow through with our “Yes” we make to the Lord’s call. The Grace Jesus offers is one with an awesome responsibility. 

Ours is to pray for the faith and courage to give God’s kingdom precedence over anything that might hinder us from carrying out the YES just like our Blessed Mother did. Let it be done according to your will” 

• Today’s Readings
  
  
• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
  
  
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