Homily by Protodeacon Edward Kostraby on the Twenty-eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s reading offers us a metaphor (something that makes a comparison between two ideas) tied to a complex Jewish view of looking forward to dining in the Messianic kingdom an entrenched popular notion that only the Jews would be part of that kingdom. The parable Jesus tells, is aimed at debunking that notion. This parable is also a social shock factor.

The man of the house is God, and the great banquet is the kingdom, a metaphor. The invited guests represent the Israelite nation. The banquet was prepared for them, but when Jesus came preaching that “the kingdom of heaven is near”, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” — the chosen people rejected him.

The invitation is important as it is opened to all peoples. These were the types of people that the Pharisees considered “unclean” and under God’s curse. Jesus, however, taught that the kingdom was available even to those considered “unclean”. His involvement in various gospel passages with tax collectors and sinners brought condemnation from the Pharisees, yet it showed the extent of God’s grace. The fact that the man in the parable sends the servant far afield to persuade everyone to come indicates that the offer of salvation would be extended to the Gentiles and “to the ends of the earth”.

The invited guests, the Israelites whom God was planning in their participation, failed to accept the invitation, so God now opened and extended the invitation to those who were considered unacceptable guests: the poor, crippled, beggars, psychologically damaged and many others, but not only these lower classes of Israel, but also those along the roads are asked to come. God’s kingdom is a 24/7 open invitation to all, there are no barriers from God as to who can be part of the kingdom.

Those who ignored the invitation to the banquet chose their own punishment — they missed out. The man respects their choice by making it permanent: they would not “taste of my banquet.” So it will be with God’s judgment on those who choose to reject and ignore Christ, they will have their choice confirmed, and they will never taste the joys of heaven.

The inclusion of the Gentiles is a fulfilment of Hosea 2:23, “I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

In the time of Jesus, great importance was attached to getting together and sharing meals and the last supper was part of this thread. Once Jesus died, his followers continued to break bread in memory of him, a festive meal of togetherness which we do in our liturgy haring the bread and wine in communion.

This is the constant message from the gospel readings, it is constantly reaching out to us, to come on over, to experience what God has to offer, come as you are for the party you will be part of will be great. So if the invitation is so open, why then is the response so negative? Life issues and attachments consume people, hold them back especially the chosen ones, while the ones who have little have nothing to loose and see the value of the invitation.

The gospels are constantly asking us to be part of the banquet to be part of God’s kingdom here on earth and later when we pass away, it is inviting us to have a go, come and see and experience what God offers — rejection can only mean not knowing what is prepared for us.

See also

March 23 Homily by Protodeacon Edward Kostraby on Palm Sunday