Gospel 

Luke 14:15-24

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell l you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's passage reveals Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God's inclusive nature. Let's explore the parable of the great banquet.

Key Principles

1. God's Invitation: The master invites many to the banquet.

2. Excuses and Rejection: Invited guests make excuses, rejecting the invitation.

3. Inclusive Hospitality: The master invites the marginalized.

4. Universal Call: All are welcomed, regardless of background.

Implications for Us

1. Respond to God's Invitation: Don't make excuses; accept God's call.

2. Embrace Inclusive Hospitality: Welcome others, especially the marginalized.

3. Share God's Love: Extend hospitality to all.

Conclusion

Jesus' parable reminds us of God's desire for inclusive hospitality and universal salvation.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you respond to God's invitation?

2. Who can you welcome to God's banquet?

3. What excuses hold you back?

Action Steps

1. Engage in acts of kindness toward the marginalized.

2. Study biblical teachings on hospitality (Romans 12:13).

3. Invite others to experience God's love.

Additional Resources

1. Explore Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46).

2. Reflect on biblical examples of hospitality (Luke 10:25-37).

Key Verses

1. "Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 14:15)

2. "Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in." (Luke 14:23)

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, thank You for inviting us to Your great banquet.

Help us:

• Accept Your invitation with gratitude
• Embrace inclusive hospitality, welcoming all
• Share Your love with others, especially the marginalized
• Forgive our excuses and complacency
• Grant us hearts of compassion and kindness

May Your Kingdom be filled with diverse voices and may we reflect Your love and hospitality

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ