Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the word for this great Solemnity, assuring us that God has invited us to participate in his work of bringing about the Reign of God. Our part, if we choose to accept it, it is care for the poor, feed the hungry, and serve those who are in need. Are you on board?
When a blind man heard that Jesus was coming, he started calling out. People told him to stop, but Jesus called him over and healed him. Do we let ourselves be bothered by the cry of the poor?
In the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches that whatever faith or talents God has given us is meant to be used, not hidden away or kept to ourselves.
Jesus refused to be pulled into an argument between two brothers and instead, challenged them to guard against greed. God has given us all that we need, so we should not complain nor get drawn into the greedy arguments of others.
Jesus refused to pit religion against politics, saying "give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Of course, the whole world in all its wonder already belongs to God, so let us use what God has given us to solve problems, not to make more problems.
Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the parable of the Wedding Feast in the Gospel of Matthew and its parallel in Isaiah, pointing out that God is preparing a banquet in heaven and all are invited, but those who want to go are challenged to respond properly to the invitation.
