Mission from Every one to Every
where
Matthew 22:1-14Vs
Vs. 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who
gave a wedding banquet for his son".
The beauty of the Gospel lies in the parables through which Jesus
attempts to make known the depth of the kingdom of God. Kingdom that Jesus
proclaims is neither an after-death experience nor an earthly Kingdom with
solace and boundaries. It is an experience that Jesus opened which is in us and
between us. The parable of the feast gives insight into the different aspects
of the Kingdom.
Kingdom of God - A feast: Feast in the Bible symbolizes fullness of life which is a
celebration. It happens in enriched relationships. When Jesus says that Kingdom
of God is among you, He intends that there is a possibility of life in you and
your relationships. But you have to deliberately search for it and find it.
Kingdom
of God to Everyone: Here Jesus speaks of the experience of the
Kingdom made possible to all. Invitation to the fullness of life is extended
to all like that of the feast. But only those who are willing to respond
to the call is able to experience it.
Kingdom
of God is a Grace: Those who were invited to the feast
were not able to enjoy it. It is not our merits that enable us to enjoy the
Kingdom instead it is out of God's mercy that we are able to participate in the
Kingdom.
Kingdom
demands Obedience: The invitees are expected to wear the dress
prepared for them by the host. Any one who hesitates to wear that dress is not
able to participate in the feast. God has His own standards which is essential
to experience the feast of the Kingdom and abiding by them is the prerequisite.
PRAYER
God help us to be open, responsive and obedient to participate in
the Kingdom experience You have opened to us through Jesus. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Disobedience always bring destruction.
Rev. Denny Philip,
Diocesan/Bishop's Secretary