NOTES for Mat 22:1-14

Before us are two possible ways in which the invited guests may respond. The case of those who assaulted the servants carrying the invitations seems clear: they themselves, and in a disgraceful manner, rejected the opportunity to attend the feast. But if we think about it, the peaceful people who put their latest affairs, so important and urgent, first also insulted the one who invited them. They did not beat those sent to them and therefore were not subjected to the same harsh punishment as the murderers, but neither can they now be admitted to the place they failed to enter in time. By choosing their own affairs, they effectively put themselves on the same footing as the enemies of the feast's host.

Quite different guests are invited in their place, people who by every indication appear completely random. From the standpoint of ordinary logic, it is entirely unclear why the host needed to invite these particular people. But let us consider: was their appearance at the feast really so accidental?

Those who came to the feast are all very different. Yet even against their motley background, the host immediately noticed a man dressed inappropriately. If so, that means the other guests, though seemingly gathered at random, had managed to put on festive garments in time. It means they proved ready to respond to the master's call.

No one compels us to abandon our ordinary occupations without fail. But if they become more important to us than what the Lord offers, we risk losing this treasure. Nor will we help our own affairs.