EVERYTHING IS READY: COME

Thursday 20th August – Memorial of St Bernard, Abbot & Doctor

Reflection: Matthew 22: 1-14

EVERYTHING IS READY: COME

“Food is ready!” The rumble in stomachs cease, mouths water and smiles suddenly appear on faces as they jump out of their seats to make a feast of their favourite meal. At the dining table; we hope to get satisfaction for our hunger and thirst and our ears would stay up until they catch the “call to the feast”. Any mother would be disappointed; if her family ignores or rejects her call to the dining room. This instinctive human behaviour should teach something of the response God expects from us to His call: “Come here, all you who are thirsty, come to the water! All who have no money, come! Yes, without money and at no cost, buy and drink wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not food and labour for what does not satisfy? Listen to me, and you will eat well; you will enjoy the richest of fare”. (Isaiah 55: 1-2)

In today’s gospel reading, the king became furious at the disheartening response he got to the invitation he gave out for the wedding feast of his son. After dealing with the evil invitees; he called out again but this time, to everyone. Today, the King of the universe calls every one of us to the unending feast of joy in His kingdom of light. He has a special place prepared for us at His side if only we would come; bringing to Him our entire lives that He may mould us and use us.

Dear friend, Indeed, everything is ready; only in Him can we find the true happiness and peace of mind we all seek. Only in Him can we find meaning to life and fulfilment. Are you ready to put off the old life for a new one hidden with Christ in God? Through your baptism, you have responded to His call; yet, that response is still ongoing. His call comes to you each new day and He awaits your response, your commitment.

PRAYER: O good Shepherd, teach me to listen and obey when you call. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 523 – Why does man not live on bread alone?

This passage of Scripture reminds us that men have a spiritual hunger that cannot be satisfied by material means. One can die for lack of bread, but one can also die because one has received bread alone. In a profound sense we are nourished by the one who has “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68) and a food that does not perish (John 6:27): the Holy Eucharist.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! Whoever hears let him say, come! Whoever thirsts let him approach, and whoever desires, let him freely take the water of life.” Revelation 22: 17 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Judges 11: 29-39; Psalm 40: 5. 7-9. 10; Matthew 22: 1-14