Homily for Oct 11th

Dear Fellow Pilgrims:

Heaven has often been described as a luxurious wedding banquet – the marriage of God and God’s people wherein God is the host. I am imagining a gorgeous mansion atop a high mountain. It is often shrouded in clouds; but every now and then, it is bathed in bright sunlight and the views are magnificent. There is an abundance of food and drink; but, most importantly, there is a spirit of joy that pervades the intimacy we all share with our Host, the source and summit of our hopes and dreams.

Matthew shared the vision of Isaiah, but focused on the responses given to the invitation to the wedding feast. Some simply ignored the invitation; others were hostile. Those who first heard this gospel proclaimed could not but help recognize the references to the persecutions of Christ’s followers by their Jewish peers and the horrific destruction of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. The evangelization of non-Jews had already begun. These are symbolized by the many from the streets who were gathered in for the celebration. The most unusual part of the gospel parable is, however, it’s ending. Who was the one not properly dressed for the banquet? The Eucharistic imagery of both the gospel and the vision of Isaiah is obvious; but what is the effect of a Eucharistic life? Is it not one that continues to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked? Is it not a life filled with gratitude? We can come to communion, yet allow pride and prejudice to blot out its effects. Paul had to deal with angry and dissatisfied people; but he reminded them that he was happy with both an abundance and with little. He said: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4:13)

As we all know, crises can either destroy or unite. We are all engaged in a world-wide crisis; but it is not really the “pandemic.” Ours is a crisis of trust. This is a month dedicated to the “Most Holy Rosary.” One of my favorite mysteries is that of the Visitation wherein Elizabeth called Mary “blessed” because she trusted that the Lord’s word to her would be fulfilled. Another “mystery” to which I am greatly attracted is the “Second Luminous” wherein we reflect on the words of Mary to the servants in the midst of a crisis: “Do whatever my Son tells you.”

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley