How do I respond to the invitation of the Lord/King?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:15-24*

*First Reading : Rom 12:5-16ab*

*How do I respond to the invitation of the Lord/King?*

*1) Gospel on invitation*

Invitation plays a very important role in our life 

For every function beginning from Christening till the death anniversaries we have variety of invitation to different functions 

With invitation we invite our beloved people to participate in our Joy and celebration

*2) Jesus on Invitation*

In the New Testament we have variety of invitations by Jesus 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Mt 11:28

You are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:40

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink* John 7:37

‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Mt 25:34

He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Mt 14:29

Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; John 1:39

"Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." Mt 6:30 

In today's Gospel we hear *Come, everything is now ready.*

So there are multiple invitations by Jesus to join with him, in his Joy and Happiness

*3) Response to the Invitation*

The Gospel of the day also calls us to reflect about the response to the invitation

The first one asked for and excuse because he was involved in the purchase of property. At times attachment to the property makes people to ignore the invitation and failing in responding

The second one was involved in the business of things or animals. His love for things did not allow him to respond to the invitation of the Master

The third one was just married. He might have been carried away by the sensual pleasure, which didn't allow him to respond to the invitation of the master 

In a way these are symbolically show us, that  the attachment to above things, take us away from responding to the Lord's invitation

*4) Jesus' daily invitations to us*

Evey day Jesus gives us invitation to many things 

Invitation to forgive

Invitation to love

Invitation to smile 

Invitation to serve 

Invitation to pray

Invitation to sacrifice

Invitation to help

Invitation to show concern

Invitation to practice patience

Invitation to share 

Invitation to respect

Invitation to adjust 

Invitation to tolerate

Invitation to behave as human being 

*5) How do I respond to the Master's Invitation?*

What is my response?

Do I respond or just ignore the invitation? 

What are the real challenges in my life, to respond to the Master's invitation?  

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*