Thursday August 19, 2021 - Twentieth week in Ordinary Time - Today do not close your heart, but listen to the voice of the Lord - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22, 1-14

It is Jewish custom to compare the kingdom of God to a wedding feast and Christ is no exception, he takes up this image in his teaching.

In this parable, the host, the one who invites is God the Father and the guests who did not deign to respond to the invitation represent the Jewish people who ignored the envoy of God. The host shows, by his invitation, a sign of affection, of the very love to which the guests respond only with disdain, indifference. We too often prefer to go about our business rather than respond to the call of God who created us. Not at all discouraged by this situation, God never ceases to dispense his love. With the same enthusiasm, Christ sends his disciples. Envoys who are no longer content with the Jews alone, but open themselves to all humanity, including the poor and the destitute.

Indeed, the love of God, for us men, is immeasurable. His invitation is addressed to everyone, but there is only one condition for taking part in the feast: to wear the wedding garment.

According to Saint Gregory the Great, only those who have faith can enter the wedding feast. But that is not enough, we must wear the wedding garment, namely love: love for God first and love for neighbor then. Faith and love are therefore inseparable to access the kingdom of God.