The Need of the Wedding Garment

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twentieth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 22:1-14*

*First Reading : Jgs 11:29-39a*

*Responsorial Psalm : 40:5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10*

*The Need of the Wedding Garment*

*1) Why Was the Wedding Garment Necessary?*

In ancient times, especially in royal or noble weddings, it was customary for the host to provide wedding garments (festive robes) for the guests. 

Everyone, regardless of background, was expected to wear it—it was part of honoring the occasion.

In the parable, Spiritually the wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness, holiness, or transformed life required to truly belong in the kingdom of God. 

It is not enough to be invited (i.e., hear the gospel); one must be clothed appropriately—a metaphor for inward transformation and preparedness.

*2) The Wedding Garment*

The wedding garment is a symbol—not of outward appearance, but of the inner condition of the heart before God.

It represents:

*A) Righteousness from God*

Not self-righteousness or good deeds alone, but being made right with God through faith.

*B) Transformation through Grace*

It points to the new life a believer receives in Christ—one that bears fruit in action, character, and attitude.

*C) Spiritual Readiness and Respect*

To wear the wedding garment is to honor the invitation and prepare for the King. It's a response of gratitude and reverence for being invited to the feast.

*3) Who Provides the Garment?*

Spiritually speaking, the wedding garment is given by God through grace, not earned. 

In Christian theology:

The "“garment”* represents Christ’s righteousness (see Isaiah 61:10: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation...”)

It’s not about our moral performance alone but being clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Still, we must accept and wear it—it’s not automatic.

The man without the garment represents someone who accepted the invitation (heard the gospel) but refused to be changed—someone who wanted the benefits of the kingdom but not the transformation that comes with it.

*4) You can’t sneak into the Kingdom on your own terms*

The man without the garment wanted to be part of the feast, but not under the king’s conditions. 

It’s a warning against superficial faith, or just going through the motions of religion without true conversion.

*5) Being “called” isn’t the same as being “chosen.”*

Jesus ends with *“many are called, but few are chosen.”*

This highlights the difference between invitation and acceptance—not all who hear the gospel truly receive it into their hearts.

*6) The garment is given, but must be received*

In ancient culture, kings would often provide wedding garments for guests. 

All the man had to do was accept and wear it. 

In the same way, God provides what we need for salvation and transformation, but we must say yes and put it on.

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…”  (Romans 13:14)

Am I wearing the garment?

Not in a fearful, perfectionist way, but in the sense of: 

Have I truly received Christ? 

Have I allowed Him to clothe me with His righteousness, and am I living in a way that honors the invitation I’ve received?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*