Still speaking to the religious leaders in the temple during his last week of life, Jesus extends an extravagant invitation to come. He is talking to those most certain of their pathway, progress and entrance to the Kingdom of God.
If you find yourself stuck in fear of who is in and who is out of this Kingdom, maybe acknowledge that that is here for you. And see if it is possible to notice how this kind of ‘afraid’ is felt in your body today. Going slowly, you might begin to notice a vague, felt sense of it all forming. See if you can begin to describe what you are sensing. Maybe saying the description back to yourself to see if it describes it well. Then see if it is possible to acknowledge that this is how it feels in you right now. You and Jesus can make space to be with that feeling, keeping company with it in a compassionate, accepting kind of way, just as it is. Notice what it is like for you linger with something in you that is feeling afraid in the presence of Jesus, in the presence of Perfect Love.
Eventually, if it seems good and unhurried to you, slowly shift your gaze back onto the One who invites you to the banquet. Imagine what might be set before you to feast on. Imagine the hosts’ delight in your presence at the table. Imagine the most comfortable, lovely pieces of clothing given to you to wear. Notice how they fit you and how they feel on your body. Take in and savor all that is given to you. Come. You are invited to feast with your God.
Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)
Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!
“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.
“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Listening with your whole self, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you heard or slowly read the text? Gently repeat the word or phrase or linger with the picture, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you observed. Relish the words. Notice the feeling which rises within you as you listen. You might choose to journal about your experience.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with God. Is there a prayer of praise, thanksgiving or petition which rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
print pdf
