Our readings for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23) follow. For a combined link to read them all, go here.
- Matthew 22:1-14
- Isaiah 25:1-9
- Psalm 23
- Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14. Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a wedding feast a king gives for his son. He sends slaves to summon those invited to come to the feast, but they refuse, mistreat the king’s messengers, and even murder some. The king destroys the murderers and burns their city! He then sends servants out to gather all they can to come to the wedding feast, both good and bad. The king comes to see his guests but finds one who was not wearing a proper wedding robe. He has him bound and thrown out. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Wow! What does this mean? Some say the king provided proper wedding clothes that the rejected guest refused to wear. Others simply say that the man was not ready when called to the feast. to me, all are invited but do not know when they will be called, so get ready and be ready!
Isaiah 25:1-9. God has destroyed the cities of the ruthless and evil, and has provided refuge for the poor. There will be a great feast and even death will be overcome. Yet our gospel warns that we better be prepared, living properly, wearing the garments of our salvation.
Psalm 23. The Lord God is our Shepherd. He spreads a table for us and will follow us with goodness and mercy as long as we continue to choose to live in his house, his kingdom, his Presence, forever!
Philippians 4:1-9. Stand firm in the Lord and rejoice in him always. Don’t worry about anything, but make your requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving. His peace in Jesus will guard our hearts and minds. Think about and do the worthy and excellent things you have learned and the God of peace will be with us.
Good times are coming in the Lord and will be forever. It behooves us to be ready!