YOU ARE INVITED

Matthew 22:14

Many are invited, but few are chosen.

As kids, we always receive invitations to birthday parties. Actually, we can go there in whatever attire. But as we grow up and upon receiving an invitation for a wedding or banquet, aside from the date, time and venue, we also have to check whether we need to advise someone that we are accepting the invitation (“RSVP”) and what attire we should be wearing. Sometimes, we forget these two so we ended up not being allowed to join the party.

In the gospel today, an invitation was sent to everyone, but no one attended at first. And from those who did go to the party later on, only a few are chosen to enter the banquet. The invitation has gone out to all who care to listen, but some just refused, and some wanted to come but refused to submit to the requirements of entrance into the kingdom. So none of those people will be present in the kingdom.

Those Jesus refers to as "chosen" are the people who had done two things - respond to the invitation to come (“RSVP”), and respond in the proper manner so that they are prepared to enter the kingdom (“Proper Attire”). This is the message of the Gospel, the good news. It is only good news if salvation delivers us from darkness and accepted the invitation of God. And upon entering, we should be clothed in righteousness needed to enter God’s Kingdom - the total acceptance in God’s eyes that Christ is our only Savior, Lord and King. Christ has provided this garment of righteousness for everyone, but each person must choose to put it on in order to enter the King’s banquet (eternal life). There is an open invitation, but we must be ready – RSVP and Proper Attire.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I accept Your invitation to Your grand banquet in Heaven. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen +

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.