Nearing the end of the year 1999 and the momentous turning to a new millennium, I remember hearing much gloom and doom as the world anticipated entering Y2K in chaos. Nothing would work given our computers were not equipped to make the time change.
I did not hear as much that perhaps we might see the anticipated turning and possible disruption as an opportunity to prepare inwardly for new beginnings, which always come with some degree of uncertainty. How were we equipping ourselves to open our heart, mind, and arms to usher in new life and a better world?
On the auspicious night of the clock striking midnight, I was on a spiritual retreat with other wondering souls. Our retreat leader had set before us a magnificent feast of candlelight, representing God’s banquet of ever inviting and enlightening love.
This story surfaces in my memory as I read our gospel story, the parable of the wedding banquet.* There is a great feast. Not all who are invited can see to come. Not all who come really see what is before them. Sadly, even God’s generosity and radical inclusion get lost as the host king in the story brutally punishes those who do not respond to the invitation as he deems worthy.
Might we spend some quiet time simply taking in God’s lavish invitation to life, how we are uniquely created and called to reflect divine love? Can we be honest about our resistances to respond to God wholeheartedly? Can we rid ourselves of measures of worthiness and unworthiness? Can we commit anew, again and again, to a lifetime of coming to be at a welcoming table and celebration of our deep belonging, transformation, freedom, and joy together?
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
For Further Reflection
Though a reflection flowing from another gospel passage, this sermon by Ann Dean of Dayspring Church describes how one small Church of the Saviour community lives out its unique expression of life at God’s banquet of love.
