28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 I think it is permissible to understand the wedding feast, in today's parable, as the great banquet at the end of time: "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." (Rev 19: 9) In this way the parable can be seen as a summary of the history of salvation. The first group of slaves, sent to invite the guests (Mt 22: 3), is the judges: "Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen even to their judges; for they lusted after other gods and bowed down to them." (Jg 2: 16-17). The second group of slaves (Mt 22: 4) is the prophets: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!" (Mt 23: 37) The destruction of Jerusalem is foretold: "He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers. and burned their city." (Mt 22: 7) The third group of slaves sent out is the Christian apostles and evangelists: "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." (Mt 22: 10) The man found to be not wearing a wedding garment is someone who is not clothed in good works or who has not been baptized. he is condemned: " 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' " (Mt 22: 13) In this way Jesus gives a stern warning to us his disciples not to be complacent or entitled regarding the grace given us: "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Mt 22: 14)