You’re invited!

The story is told about a little boy who, during a wedding, asked his father in a loud voice: “Dad, why is the bride wearing a white dress?” The father whispered: “That’s because it is the happiest day of her life, son.” After some thought, the little boy said: “Why is the groom wearing a black suit? Is it because it is the…” Before the child could finish his sentence, the father covered his mouth to silence him.

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 22, 1-18), Jesus tells us about the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, which at first was exclusive but soon became inclusive, open to all. We thank God for His big heart, for His generous invitation to us, and for preparing a feast for us. May we not ignore, snub, or belittle His generous and sincere invitation. Come to think of it, indeed, who are we to say no?

It is interesting to note the reasons why some of the invited guests did not come: One went to his farm, and another, to his business. One’s farm is all about one’s home—i.e., one’s family, friends and relations. One’s business is all about one’s wealth, work and possessions. The message is clear: Let us put God first, and above people and possessions.

The invitation from God is open, but there is a “dress code” that is required. There is no such thing as a free lunch, so they say. All of us are required to do our part. We must cooperate with God’s grace by doing good and avoiding evil. Let us obey God’s commandments, and let us live our lives according to His will and plan.

Take note that God does not exclude the invited guests who refuse His invitation. The doors are kept open for them. However, those who mistreat and kill His messengers enrage Him. Let us make sure that we do not live lives that enrage our God. God respects our free will and choice. Atheists, agnostics and humanists are not shut out from God’s heart, but those who do bad, harm others, or commit injustice to others, especially the last, the least and the lost, call down God’s ire. God does not sleep. He knows who is doing wrong, and who is doing right.

I learned from a recent visit to Austria, particularly the Seegrotte mines, that “Glück auf” is the greeting among miners, which originally means “May you go up to see the light.” They who work in the dark always hope and pray that they will be able to go out and see the light at the end of the tunnel. By the way, there are other “miners”: those who keep on getting, and keep on saying, “This is mine!” We pray that they, too, will get out of their deep-seated selfishness and pride, and be enlightened, and see the light—that life is not all about I, Me, and Myself.

Pilgrim Rey Macaraig shared with me how he walked for 30 days, covering 800 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James), en route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain last July. It was physically difficult, but such a spiritually rewarding experience for him. Alone, and deprived of his comfort zone, Rey realized his dependence on God. He also realized what is really important in life. The walk gave him the chance to really talk, and listen, to God, and to change his life.

Friday, Oct. 13, was the end of the centennial celebration of Our Lady of Fatima’s apparition to the three children, namely, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Her message remains: Pray the Rosary every day and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. She promised that she would banish war and fears. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

Our eldest cousin, Francisco “Pakit” Muñoz, turned 80 yesterday. He has always been such an affirming, inspiring, and generous presence to us. More years, more blessings, more blessings to share, Kuya Pakit!

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to respond to Your invitation to live meaningful lives, and attain eternal life. Amen.