20th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, August 21, 2025

Reflection on the WORD

Taking God for Granted” – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaimed the “Parable of the Wedding Feast” to reveal that God our Father’s Merciful Love for us should not be taken for granted. Ponder on, “If God had not Loved us Mercifully, we would have continued to live in grave sin.Pray for the grace of gratitude to God for His Merciful Love.”

Matthew 22:1-4a, 5-7a, 8-9, 11, 13a, 14

Jesus began to speak in parables once again to the chief priests and elders of the people: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son's wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. 

‘Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment.  Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness outside.” For many are called but few are chosen.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus cautioned the chief priests and elders that although God wanted them to share in the joy of His kingdom, they too would suffer grievously if they were to reject His invitation. 
  • The "good and the bad" along the crossroads referred to the Gentiles and to sinners. This invitation of grace is given freely by God to everyone and comes with unmerited favour and kindness. 
  • How much do we value this invitation to God’s heavenly banquet of sharing and enjoying everlasting happiness? Are you ready to feast at the Lord's banquet table?