The Gospel for this Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 13:22-30. As Jesus begins His final trip toward Jerusalem, where He will face rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection, someone asks Him whether many or few will be saved. Instead of commenting on human speculations about the number of those who will be saved, our Lord tells a parable about being invited to a feast or banquet.
In the parable, a gracious homeowner has invited people to a feast. Each person invited must respond appropriately. An appropriate response includes getting ready, arriving on time, and entering through the designated door to be greeted personally by the host. The host is generous, but he expects the guests to respond appreciatively and make some effort. So it is with the kingdom of God. Many receive a gracious divine invitation. but God expects a suitable response. Those invited must accept the invitation and enter when and how He indicates. Procrastination can be dangerous. Failing to prepare and follow instructions may lead to a sorrowful exclusion from the heavenly feast.
With this parable, Christ warns people to take the invitation to feast in God's presence seriously. The divine host sets the conditions for entering the heavenly kingdom, and the human guests need to respond in appropriate ways. The invitation of the Holy One must not be taken for granted; it must be respected and the host's expectations must be accepted in humble gratitude.
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