It is not easy following in the footsteps of Christ. In the seminary, I find it challenging to keep up with my commitments because at times I struggle with the different demands in formation. There are times when the pressure seems to crush me. There are also times when I fail to be charitable to my brothers in the community, particularly in giving fraternal correction, since I usually sound accusing and judgmental when giving feedback to others.

Like the king in today’s gospel, God continues to invite me to respond to His love and His call. Many were indeed invited and called, but few came dressed for the wedding banquet — similarly, few strive to be worthy of the call.

The Gospel is an eye opener for me. As a priest-in-process, and as I continue with my journey in my vocation, I need to always respond to the call to love and be holy. I must always be clothed in love – the wedding garment. More than ever, I am now more inspired to love.

Let us not miss the opportunity of being invited to the table of the Lord. In our unworthiness, let us strive to respond generously and lovingly to God’s invitation that would bring us to the everlasting wedding feast which He has prepared for us.

By: Sem. Eric Yabut

Today’s Gospel

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying,
“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?’
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen.”