[ Today's Readings ]
Let us hear the invitation of the LORD.
“Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Let us hear: "come to the feast."
And let us respond. May we not think that we have something better to do. Our farms and our businesses seem more necessary than a banquet. But they are not. It is when those priorities are challenged that we are sometimes angered.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
We don't run the risk of shooting the messenger if we realize the the most essential of essential things on earth pales in comparison to the banquet to which we are invited.
We might think we aren't worthy to come into the presence of the king and for that reason decline the invitation. We are right that we are not worthy. But that is all the more reason we should thankfully accept the invitation.
The king himself gives us a robe to wear. He himself cleanses us for the feast.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you
to cleanse you from all your impurities,
and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts
and giving you natural hearts.
Are we chosen for this? We have a hard time thinking of ourselves as chosen by God. But this morning he wants us to think of ourselves that way. Are we really chosen? Only if we want to be. Only if we let the LORD wash us and clothe us. Only if we listen to the possibility of joy the resonates in his invitation to us.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
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