The WORD in other words (2009) by Father Eufemio Sombrio SVD – Holy Name University, Tagbilaran, Bohol
Thursday 20th Week in Ordinary Time
At Holy Name University, we honor retirees and board passers with a free meal, inviting other employees to join. Each employee must confirm attendance in writing, and only then is the reservation made at a prestigious restaurant with the exact number of guests. Yet, during meal time, frustration arises when some seats remain vacant and food is wasted because certain invitees fail to show up.
To address this, it was agreed that once an employee confirms attendance but does not come, it will automatically mean salary deduction. This administrative approach is fair and effective.
Today’s Gospel reminds us: “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Many are invited to the Kingdom of Heaven, but only a few respond sincerely. Like guests at a banquet, we are called to share in God’s fullness of life. The invitation is catholic—universal, open to all.
Those who ignore the invitation experience the “salary deduction” of eternal regret: “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13). God is just and fair, even as He is merciful and compassionate. His generosity is offered freely, but our response must be sincere.
- Respond sincerely — How generous and wholehearted are we in answering God’s call?
- Avoid indifference — Do we ignore His invitation, preferring worldly distractions, only to face eternal regret?
- Embrace the banquet — Do we see the heavenly banquet as the greatest gift, worth every sacrifice?
God’s invitation is not casual—it is a summons to eternal life. To ignore Him is to risk the ultimate “deduction”: the loss of life with Him. But to respond with sincerity and generosity is to gain the fullness of joy in His Kingdom.
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9).
