BANQUET OF LOVE

Luke 14:17 - "Come, everything is now ready".
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Birthday party.  Wedding party.  Baptismal party.  Debut party.  And even on an ordinary day or occasion, we like to party.  It is during this time that we come together on "one long table" and exchange stories and opinions.  It is during this time that we got to know each other more.

Jesus, similarly, would also like to share His stories and parables during a "party".  It could be on a dinner, or while sermoning on the mount where He would be able to feed thousands of people.

And who would forget the last supper where He institutionalized the Holy Eucharist, where we would forever join in communion with Him while accepting His body and blood.

Like in the gospel, He is also sending His invitation to gather and join Him in His banquet.  But, most of the time those who are invited simply turn down the invitation.  And some wanted to come but would simply refuse to submit to the requirements for entering the Kingdom.

And so, none of these people will be present in Heaven later on.

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 the Kingdom - total acceptance that Jesus is our only Savior, Lord and King.  The invitation is open and everything is ready.

We only need to accept it and join Him is His banquet of love.

+ Let us pray:  Almighty Father, I accept Your invitation to Your grand banquet in Heaven.  I invite Jesus to be the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward.  Please send Your Holy Spirit in us to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life.  Amen +