Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.                                           Matthew 22 : 9 – 10

Bible reading : Matthew 22 : 1 – 14

Thought for the week

I wonder when you last received an invitation? With so much that has been postponed or cancelled over the past six months, invitations to a celebration or a party have become few and far between.

The Parable Jesus tells in the Gospel reading is based around an invitation. The host is clearly a man of influence, and yet the invitation reveals perhaps that his influence has won him few actual friends. So the invitation is turned down. Yet also of those who do attend, one of the guests disrespects the host, does not dress appropriately. The man is angry, and Jesus highlights the honour and grace of being invited, and much depends on how we respond to Him.

Maybe soon, hopefully the invitations to join others in celebration will come again. Yet Jesus makes it clear throughout the Gospels He is inviting us into fullness of life. He invites us to follow Him, receive from Him, know forgiveness and salvation in His name.

It is an invitation that cost Jesus everything. And it is for each of us personally. We respond by receiving from Jesus and believing in Him. Let us never forget the greatness of all that Jesus invites us into.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God, our judge and Saviour,

teach us to be open to your truth

and to trust in your love,

that we may live each day

with confidence in the salvation which is given

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen