One of those at table with Jesus said to him,
"Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God."
He replied to him,
"A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many...."
The word many appears often in the four Gospels. When it refers to a crowd of people, they are fascinated and drawn to Christ; called to follow him; or choosing not to follow him. Saint Matthew gives us the familiar line, "Many are called; few are chosen."
There was some controversy a few years ago about the word when it was reinserted into the consecration formula over the chalice during the Roman Catholic Mass. An earlier translation said, "...the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. it will be shed for you and for all." The phrase, for all, was not an accurate translation of the word, revised to for many. The Scriptures do not say that everyone is redeemed whether they want it or not.
In today's gospel, when Saint Luke recounts the familiar parable of the wedding feast to which many are invited, he said the master of the house in a rage, first extended his invitation willy-nilly to "the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame;" and then to anyone found in the "highways and hedgerows." He did that in anger against those who'd been invited, and apparently to make sure they would not come in.
If they regret their first decision and decide to come anyway, they will eat with the lowly and despised. A fitting punishment!
Saint Charles Borromeo was "born to the manor," but refused many opportunities to spend his life among the powerful, rich, and influential in the secular world. When the twelve year old boy was given an extraordinary patrimony, he chose to use what he needed to prepare for his career in the Church; the rest would be given to the poor. He would go on to become a major reformer in Rome and the Church, especially as he organized the final session of the Council of Trent. His efforts were so successful that one "brother of humility" took a shot at him with an arquebus, a long rifle.
Pope Leo XIV, in his recent apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, reminds the faithful of our "preferential option for the poor." Should we fail that mission, we fail. Today's gospel also calls our attention to that most sacred duty.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.