A wedding feast is meant to be a joyful celebration for everyone invited. But the feast which Jesus describes in today’s Gospel is a shocking tale of misery, rejection, even death. What is going on?

Here is one interpretation… The first part of Jesus’ story concerns the Jews as the Chosen People of God, represented by those first invited to the royal banquet. But most refuse to come, being more interested in their own affairs. More servants were sent to call them – these were the prophets, who were also rejected and even put to death. The furious reaction of the King, Matthew interprets as a punishment from God as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans a few years before he wrote his Gospel. Then follows the second part of salvation history – the era of the Church. More servants are sent out, representing the Christian apostles, who go everywhere to find people to invite people to the wedding feast – showing this is no longer about a chosen nation (who are still very much part of the invitation) but it is a mission to the whole world. This time the response is much better and the wedding hall is filled with guests. But there is still a warning for the Church. The King, as he enters the hall, notices one guest who is not wearing a wedding garment & has him thrown out into the darkness. This might seem very strange for us! Perhaps one way to understand this is that at our baptism we wear a white garment, symbolising how we are invited to “put on Christ” and imitate him in our lives. But we actually have to commit ourselves to do this – just having a baptism certificate at home is not enough! We are all invited to the feast but we have to respond and show our respect and love for the King!
As you will see our six new windows have finally been installed in the church. Huge thanks to all who have been a part of the journey of their creation. When you can, I invite you to spend some time with them – see how they speak to you. See the introduction poster as well to help you…


With blessings & prayers from Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & all the parish team
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