St. Matthew presents yet again a parable of the Lord where he uses a wedding feast as an image of heaven, since weddings evoke thoughts of joy, celebration, splendor, beauty, love, and unity. This is what awaits us for all eternity. While the king in the parable (an image of God) prepares a glorious feast and issues his invitations, it is astonishing that some ignore the invitation, some are far too occupied with other matters, and still others are out and out hostile to the king by maltreating and killing his servants! Their decision enrages the king, who responds with vengeance.
While God invites, while he desires the salvation of all, he respects our choice. God does not force himself on us. St. Augustine said: “He who created us without our help, will not save us without our consent.”
In the face of this rejection, the king is undeterred. He widens the net to invite others, good and bad alike, from the highways and byways. His aim is to fill the banquet hall. This is the image of God who is extravagant in his generosity, and who never gives up on us.
But the parable ends on a rather curious, if not disconcerting note—A man who shows up but is quickly shown the door because he is not properly dressed. He had not prepared himself appropriately for the feast, an act of disrespect to the king.
In his public ministry, Jesus made a point of inviting everyone, good and bad alike to follow him. His message was one of inclusion, sometimes over the objections of his closest friends. But even though his invitation is extended to all, a mere acceptance is not good enough.
It must be an acceptance that implies a willingness to prepare oneself appropriately, to adhere, if you will, to the “heaven’s dress code.” Of course, this is not about physical clothing, but spiritual clothing. It involves putting on the virtues, taking on a life of prayer. It is about practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
At the end of life’s journey, if we are to enter into the wedding feast of heaven, we must be prepared. We must adhere to the “dress code.” Our admittance will not be without scrutiny. We must be prepared!
This parable would also have us consider our participation in the Mass which is a foretaste of the heavenly wedding feast. Here too, a proper garment is expected. St. Paul reminded the early Christians of the need to examine their conscience carefully before approaching the Eucharistic banquet.
In his exhortation, “Sacramentum Caritatis” (Sacrament of Charity) Pope Benedict reminded us: “Active participation in the eucharistic liturgy can hardly be expected if one approaches it superficially, without an examination of his or her life. This inner disposition can be fostered…by recollection and silence for at least a few moments before the beginning of the liturgy, by fasting and, when necessary, by sacramental confession. A heart reconciled to God makes genuine participation possible. Clearly, full participation in the Eucharist takes place when the faithful approach the altar…to receive communion…Yet true as this is, care must be taken lest they conclude that the mere fact of their being present in church during the liturgy gives them a right or even an obligation to approach the table of the Eucharist.”
Our reception of the Eucharist requires discernment and preparation. It requires that we put on the garment of faith, reverence and charity, the garment of a life worthy of Christ.
What shape is your garment in…which is to say, what is the state of your spiritual life? Is the garment torn and in need of repair? Is it soiled and in need of cleaning? Is it so bad that we need to replace it? The feast is here and the feast that is eternal awaits us. We need to observe the dress code!
