The Invitation – A reflection by Deacon Darrell

The Invitation – A reflection by Deacon Darrell

Dear Blessed Trinity Family,

From the time we were little children, we loved receiving an invitation in the mail. Even today, there is a certain excitement when we go to the mailbox and there is a fancy envelope with that stylish writing on it. We know we are being invited to a special occasion. In today's culture of full calendars, we might have even received a previous mailing telling us to save a certain date.

If we are anxious to attend the event, we likely fill out the RSVP card and immediately put it in the mail to say we are coming. Chances are that if we have mediocre feelings about going, we put off responding. Certainly, if we don't want to attend, the invitation goes in a pile of magazines and other mail to be taken care of, if and when we get around to it.

Let us put ourselves in the place of the person doing the inviting. We find ourselves waiting for the responses and sort of placing a value on who responded and the speed in which they responded. Chances are those who never respond will never receive another invitation from us.

In this Sunday's Gospel, the parable tells us of the king who invites folks to the banquet for his son. The invitation is rejected and ignored. Some even kill the messenger! This puts the king in a rage. We can understand his anger. However, he doesn't call off the celebration. He then tells his servants to go out to the roads and invite everyone – the good and the bad alike.

God continuously invites all to the banquet of living in his divine life. He doesn't take anyone off the list. He keeps inviting, even and especially those not seen as fitting or deserving of being at the banquet of his divine life. Our yes to the invitation means we are ready to be transformed. Living in the life of God, who is love, often means we have to change. Perhaps that's why we often don't respond immediately to the invitation or even become angry with the messenger.

So today, how are we being invited by God? Are we replying yes without hesitation? Are we delaying a response while we think over whether it is worth it to us? Are we afraid to say yes because we think we might have to change in some way? Also, who are we inviting to join us? Does our invite list just have a select few names on it?

The invitation from God is often complex, but we know He never takes us off the list. Salvation history is full of humanity refusing or ignoring God's invitation. It is more full of God inviting.

Peace and God's Blessings, Deacon Darrell