The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 22: 1-14. This is one of several passages that compares God's kingdom to a feast, in this case a wedding feast for the king's son. This version is a little more elaborate than a similar story in St. Luke's Gospel. Noteworthy is the addition of the account of the unprepared guest in St. Matthew 22: 11-14: "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen."
The whole passage is about the grace of the heavenly King and people who do not respond properly to divine grace. The final verse are about a particular unappreciative response. The man accepts the King's invitation, but he does not bother to make appropriate preparations. It should be noted that gracious and wealthy first century hosts usually provided fresh and appropriate garments for guests. So in this case, the man in improper attire has been especially lazy and ungrateful. He has not really accepted all the King has offered. Thus, the King is very generous and gracious, but He does expect His guests to respond by showing respect, being grateful and getting ready. And anyone who does not respond respectfully is not allowed to remain in the King's presence; he cast out into the darkness. In a sense, this unworthy guest is expecting cheap grace, but God does not work that way. He offers abundant grace and provides simple ways to respond, but He also expects our human responses to show our appreciation of His holy and gracious nature. Many are called to the feast, but grace must be accepted through a humble and faithful response. And our gracious heavenly King even provides the means for us to respond!
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