Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

Read

Reflect

This is one of the three parables that Jesus told the Pharisees about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is heading toward the cross and he seems to be getting increasingly irritated with the Pharisees and their attitude toward himself and God. He is exposing their attitude. Not only do they not want to be a part of the wedding, but they also “make light” of it and they are malicious in that they begin to seize and kill the king’s servants (the prophets) and his slaves (the common people).  This leads to the king retaliating. The king “destroys them and burned their city (Jerusalem in 70 ad). The king then sends servants to bring in all the common people (the Gentiles and unworthy).

The parable takes another twist. There is someone who shows up unprepared and not wearing the correct attire. Now one thought would be that the king would provide the wedding attire. I have been part of weddings where the bride and groom rent the tuxes and buy the dresses for the wedding party. Not in this case, though. Instead, the unprepared guest is thrown out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This is a strange passage. It addresses our attitudes about the king. Jesus is warning us that this is a serious relationship. Some people reject and hate the king. Some people are flippant in their relationship with the king. Others are serious and are prepared and ready for the King. Which one are you?

Pray

God, I want to be ready when you call. I want to have the wedding robe on when you call. Give me a ready mind and heart to perform any work you would have me do. Amen.

Go with God.