This is the third week in which Matthew presents a parable dealing with his dismay over the rejection of Jesus by his own Jewish brethren. Today it is the parable of the king who gave a banquet to which those invited did not come. So others were invited, and even then one person disrespected the king by coming in inappropriate dress. Perhaps we are tempted to think that God is pretty demanding because of the harsh way this parable ends — and the one from last week, too. “Many are called but few are chosen” and “…the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” Matthew was talking to people in his community about the demands of discipleship. He invites us to look at ourselves, to consider what discipleship means in terms of our own lives. Will we be halfway disciples — trying to slip into the banquet without doing our inner work? Will we say “yes” to the Lord and then not actually follow through? Do we only want to think pious thoughts without acting for the King and his kingdom? Rejecting Jesus is something that was happening in Matthew’s world. Where is it still happening in us, and around us, today?
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia