Gospel – Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people
in parables, saying,
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests,
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?’
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

 

Reflection on the Responsorial Psalm

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

The responsorial psalm for Sunday, October 12th, is the 23rd Psalm. This psalm in particular speaks volumes – not just because it’s a psalm that I learned at an early age and have memorized; it speaks volumes because it tells us of God’s care, promises and unconditional love.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” – He is my leader and supplies all of my needs.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters” – He makes me rest when I feel tired and overwhelmed: He leads me to a quiet place of reflection and peace.
“He restores my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” – He fills the voids in my life, His actions and kind words guide me to embody virtuous and genuine characteristics so that His will may be done.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” – When I find myself in difficult situations, trying times, and in whirlpool of turmoil, I will not fear. I will trust in the Lord that He will bring me out of whatever situation that has my spirit distressed because He is always with me. I am never going through anything by myself. His rod is for my protection and His staff is a reminder of his guidance and presence. To know that He’ll always be there is an indescribable comfort.

“Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over” – God will take care of my enemies. I don’t have to plot, scheme, or hold grudges because the Lord said vengeance is His. He will continue to bless me as those who don’t mean me well watch jealously. His blessings of brand new grace and mercy of each day are His anointing on my life. My cup runs over from the blessings God has bestowed upon me. The blessings of waking up this morning and being closed in my right mind – that alone gives my spirit joy without stepping my foot out of the bed!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ” With God as the head of my life, goodness and mercy will follow me every day. This is a remembrance of everything in this psalm so far. He’ll always be my guide, cares about me so much that he grants me rest and supplies my needs, promises to be with me wherever I go, protects me from my known and unknown enemies, and blesses me beyond measure. I’d be honored to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and ever more. I can’t thank Him enough for all that he’s done and all that he plans to do.

Thanks be to God.

Ms. Andrea Guyton

St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!