Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Michael Layugan SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Tuesday 31st Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, the Lord tells a parable about a man who prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. When everything was ready, he sent his servant to tell them,“Come, everything is now ready” (Luke 14:17). Yet, one by one, those who had been invited began to make excuses (Luke 14:18-20). They were so preoccupied with their worldly affairs and concerns that they could not make time for the banquet.
What sometimes makes it difficult for us to follow the Lord is that the world dictates to us what we should believe, what we should desire, and how we should live our lives. The attractions of this world can become so enticing that we are never satisfied with what we have or with what we have achieved. We crave for more and even create needs for ourselves. Jesus reminds us,“Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
As a result, life moves so quickly that we become too busy to spare even a few moments to respond to God’s invitation to be with him. Our schedules become so hectic that every moment seems crucial to achieving what we want in life. It is almost as if, in order for God to see us, he first has to make an appointment so that we can fit him into our busy schedule.
When the Lord calls us, do we also make excuses? Do our possessions, work, ambitions, and concerns prevent us from responding to his invitation? Jesus tells us,“Come, everything is now ready” (Luke 14:17).
God continues to invite us. The question is whether, amid all our concerns and busyness, we are willing to make time to respond to him.
