Few are Chosen

Readings for Thursday August 19, 2010

First Reading: Ezekiel 36:23-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14


Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt. 22:1-14)

"Many are invited, but few are chosen." These are the words of today's gospel reading. These are the words of our Lord which we should all take to heart. For these words help us to realize how serious we should take this life. Now I am not saying that we cannot experience joy and have fun, but we must only do so in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian. We must take these words and this life seriously, because it is our only shot to get to Heaven. When it is all said and done, each of us will be in one of two places, Heaven or hell. It is important to always remember that many are invited to Heaven, but only a few are chosen. We are all invited, but we must make sure that we are asking for God's grace and trying to live our life in a manner that is acceptable to God. By doing this, then we can look forward to the eternal reward.

I know that these words are something that I need to remind myself of everyday. I need to ask myself if I am making choices and decisions that are helping me be a better person and helping me reach my goal of Heaven. Sometimes I do good, other times I don't. The important thing to remember is that God is the God of mercy and forgiveness. When (not if, but when) we mess up, we must remember to seek out forgiveness and try harder the next time. We must always remember that many are invited, but few are chosen. Those people who give up or don't try are never chosen.

Our goal in life should be to make it to Heaven. Let us make sure that we are doing everything in this life to be chosen.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we are sorry for the times that we mess up, help us to always take steps forward, steps towards you. Lord, thank you for your love and mercy, may we be loving and merciful to all those that you put in our path. We pray for all of our priests and religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.