Are We Prepared to Encounter Him During the Holy Eucharist?

Amala William csc –

Readings: Ezek 36:23-28; Mt 22:1-14

In the first reading, God makes a new covenant with the people of Israel. He brings back people from their exile and chooses to reveal himself more tangibly in giving them a new heart of flesh,
spirit, and statutes to obey. Through this, he creates an intimate relationship calling them as ‘my people’.

In the gospel reading, we have the parable of the wedding banquet. The king opens his generous invitation to others when invited guests decline. Interestingly, the king notices a man who was not wearing a wedding garment and punishes him. The evangelist communicates to us about the irresponsible behavior of the Jews and their unpreparedness for the kingdom of heaven.

The Lord in several ways invites me to belong to his kingdom. Yet, my sinfulness prevents me from sharing that goodness. I believe that however bad we are, out of his generosity constantly, God invites all of us to be part of his banquet of love. Are we well prepared to encounter him during the Holy Eucharist? Are we ready to be broken for others as we receive Jesus in bread and wine?

Let us pray to him who is the eternal source of all good, that he may grant us the right disposition of heart and mind to translate the love of God into action.