Daily Retreat 11/07/06
2006 Nov 7 Tue: Ordinary Weekday
Phil 2: 5-11/ Ps 21(22): 26b-27. 28-30ab. 30e. 31-32/ Lk 14: 15-24
From today’s readings: “God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name.... I will praise You, Lord, in the assembly of Your people.... Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God....”
Accepting the Invitation
Most people can think of a special invitation in their life that meant the world to them. Whether it was being invited to a cool birthday party in grade school, or asked out to the prom in high school, or an opportunity to show the best of one’s work at a crucial moment, or a chance to meet a personal hero - such invitations are certainly welcomed as dreams come true, and no one could ever imagine purposely turning such solicitations down in favor of the boring day-to-day obligations of life.
And yet, in the Gospel, Christ complains that many turn down His invitation to the Heavenly Banquet. He calls us to the fulfillment of our hearts’ desires, but so many ignore or even spurn His generous invitation. Even those of us who, with our baptism, have formally and joyfully accepted His invitation, are too often guilty of dragging our feet, delaying in our replies and making excuses for not joining whole-heartedly in the celebration.
In fact, Holy Mass is the foretaste of the Heavenly Wedding Banquet, for it is our privileged invitation to partake of Heavenly food and revel in the real presence of the Bridegroom. So, let our enthusiasm for the celestial “pre-party” reflect our eagerness and excitement for the Heavenly Banquet, and may our zeal and pious preparation attest to our gratitude and enthusiastic acceptance of the invitation to Life!
Phil 2: 5-11/ Ps 21(22): 26b-27. 28-30ab. 30e. 31-32/ Lk 14: 15-24
From today’s readings: “God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name.... I will praise You, Lord, in the assembly of Your people.... Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God....”
Accepting the Invitation
Most people can think of a special invitation in their life that meant the world to them. Whether it was being invited to a cool birthday party in grade school, or asked out to the prom in high school, or an opportunity to show the best of one’s work at a crucial moment, or a chance to meet a personal hero - such invitations are certainly welcomed as dreams come true, and no one could ever imagine purposely turning such solicitations down in favor of the boring day-to-day obligations of life.
And yet, in the Gospel, Christ complains that many turn down His invitation to the Heavenly Banquet. He calls us to the fulfillment of our hearts’ desires, but so many ignore or even spurn His generous invitation. Even those of us who, with our baptism, have formally and joyfully accepted His invitation, are too often guilty of dragging our feet, delaying in our replies and making excuses for not joining whole-heartedly in the celebration.
In fact, Holy Mass is the foretaste of the Heavenly Wedding Banquet, for it is our privileged invitation to partake of Heavenly food and revel in the real presence of the Bridegroom. So, let our enthusiasm for the celestial “pre-party” reflect our eagerness and excitement for the Heavenly Banquet, and may our zeal and pious preparation attest to our gratitude and enthusiastic acceptance of the invitation to Life!
posted by FrPitstick | 11/05/2006
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