Jesus is teaching in the temple when the religious leaders, the pharisees and chief priests, ask him with what authority he bases his teachings. He does not answer their questions directly. Rather he responds with some parables or teachings regarding the reign of God.
In the first parable Jesus says that one must show fruits of a good life to become part of the reign of God.
In the second parable, the one we hear today, symbolically traces the history of Israel. Jesus compares Israel’s special covenant relationship with God to the guests invited to a wedding feast who do not show up. That first group of invited guests proved themselves to be unworthy. The invitation is then extended to all – the good and the bad alike. Yet in the end just being invited and being present are not enough. One must be fittingly prepared with a proper wedding garment.
The pharisees and chief priests based their relationship with God, their covenant, simply on being born as an Israelite and keeping some external rules. That covenant was restricted to one people, one nation. It was an exclusive relationship. They believed that they were born into a proper relationship with God and did not have to do much personally to maintain or develop that relationship. There is little personal responsibility or personal conversion in the model that the pharisees championed.
On the other hand, Jesus says that being part of reign of God is based on personal preparation: fruits and garment. With Jesus the invitation is universal – everyone is included. Jesus pulls everyone into the banquet hall. But now there is a deep personal responsibility in responding to the invitation. Preparation for the feast is personal conversion, and it should be visible through the fruits of a truly Christian life. The proper garment is the baptismal tunic. St. Paul lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
As Catholics it is easy for us to foster an attitude similar to that of the pharisees. We can simply tell ourselves that we are baptized and participate in the minimal requirements of our faith. We reject or do little towards the transformation of personal conversion.
Take time today to meditate on your personal preparation for God’s banquet. What is your festive garment and your personal fruits? How goes your personal conversion and transformation?
Many are invited, but few are chosen.
Image: CANVA CJ Dunn 16 August 2026 AI Generated.