Sunday Lectionary: Jehovah Jireh

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 9th, 2011

The Gospel passage this week is a continuation from last week’s Gospel Reading. It takes place the Wednesday before Good Friday and, oh dear, the Jewish leaders are in trouble again with Jesus! For the last few weeks we have heard Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven using the image of a vineyard. This week, Jesus uses an alternative image, that of a banquet…

Reading I: Isaiah 25:6-10a

In our First Reading we hear Isaiah prophesying about the future Messianic Kingdom using the metaphor of…a banquet.

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.

On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever.

The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

On that day it will be said:

“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”

For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

Questions:

• What is being presented in this passage from Isaiah?
• There are a number of promises made in this passage. What are they and what might they represent?
• Where is this event to take place?

Commentary:

“On this mountain…“

The mountain here is Mount Zion, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Isaiah often speaks about the mountain when he speaks about the last days, when both Jews and Gentiles will flock to Jerusalem.

“…the LORD of hosts…”

This is “Yahweh Sabaoth”. The image here is of the Lord as a mighty military commander. The “hosts” refer to the heavenly hosts of angels.

“the Lord…will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.“

Feasts were commonly associated with coronations and weddings. The theme of a wedding will be picked up by the Gospel Reading.

The rich food is symbolic of abundance and God’s blessings. The wine is the best possible wine. Literally, it says that it is “aged” wine. Like the Lord’s salvation, preparations for this meal began a long time ago… (Genesis 3:15)

“The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken“

The constant plea of the Psalms is “When Lord will you make everything right? The evil prosper and the good suffer. When will you fix this?” Through the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises that one day these things will be set right.

“On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever“

There are a couple of possible renderings of the Hebrew here. Isaiah could be talking about a “shroud” or a funeral “veil” (think of church statues during Lent). Whichever way you render it, Isaiah is speaking about something that has an association with death. As before, God is promising that one day He will set everything right.

In looking at this verse with New Testament eyes, we see death being destroyed on the “mountain” of Calvary, an event marked by the Temple “veil” being ripped in two.

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility” – Ephesians 2:14-16

The phrase which is rendered “he will destroy death forever” literally says that death will be “swallowed up”. This phrase is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:54 when he says: “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory'”.

“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”

It is God who brings about this great banquet, His saving act. It was Jesus Christ, the Messiah for whom Israel waited and it was He who saved us.

“For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.”

God’s hand, His favour and protection will remain forever.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

This week’s psalm is probably the most well-known of the Psalter: “The Lord is my shepherd…”. The central affirmation of this psalm is that the Lord will provide for us as He is our shepherd. He will prepare for us a banquet. We may sometimes have to walk through dark valleys, but the Lord is by our side and we should not be afraid.

R. (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Questions:

• Why do you think God reveals Himself as a shepherd? How does this relate to Jesus?
• What can we learn from the “right paths” and “dark valley”?
• What is the link between this psalm and the other readings?
• How are we to understand the last verse of this psalm?

Commentary:

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.”

God is characterized here as a shepherd. Of course, Jesus revealed Himself to be “The Good Shepherd”:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” – John 10:11

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep” – Hebrews 13:20

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” – 1 Peter 5:4

The metaphor of a “shepherd” was quite commonly used by Near Eastern kings. In this psalm King David is referring to the Lord as his own Shepherd-King.

“…he gives me repose”

The flocks lie down and rest safe and secure.

“…verdant pastures”

Symbolic of abundance.

“…beside restful waters he leads me”

Waters that provide restoration.

“He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

The phrase “for his name’s sake” means that God’s blessings bring honour to His own Name.

A shepherd guides His flock. Sometimes the herd must pass through dangerous territory, but they can trust in the shepherd to keep them from harm.

“…your rod and your staff…”

A rod is an instrument of authority. A staff is one of support.

“You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;“

This is the key verse which links this psalm to the other Readings. King David says that the Lord Himself will prepare a banquet for him, right in front of his enemies! The image here is of God the Shepherd King receiving David as a vassal king (like a sub-king) as His table. This is often how covenant-making was concluded in ancient times.

“…you anoint my head with oil”

It was a custom at banquets to have the heads of honoured guests annointed. As Catholics we naturally think of the Sacraments here.

“…my cup overflows”

The only thing an overflowing cup lacks is greater capacity!

“Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life“

This is quite a bold claim! Goodness and kindness here are personified and described as pursuing David. Does this mean that in the life of a Christian everything is always perfect, devoid of stress, illness and suffering? Well, common experience would say “no”. However, the emphasis of this psalm is that, if God is with us, we have everything we truly need.

David trusts in the Lord.

“…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come”

David is saying here that he will continue to live and continue to visit the Temple for a long time to come. However, I would suggest that the spiritual meaning of this passage points forward to the true “house of the Lord”, our final destination, Heaven.

Reading II: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

Over the last few weeks we have been working our way through the letter to the Philippians. This week is our last excerpt from Paul’s letter and we will begin Thessalonians next Sunday. This concluding section of Philippians expresses very much the sentiments as this week’s Psalm, that of complete trust in the Lord.

Brothers and sisters:

I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

Questions:

• What does Paul say is his attitude in relation to lack and abundance?
• What is the “secret” of which he speaks?
• With regards to the Philippians, about what is Paul confident?

Commentary:

“I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need”

This is a mature Christian attitude. Paul does not expect everything to always be rosy (as the last verse of the Psalm kinda suggests). Things are sometimes pleasant and other times less so. Paul says that he’s learnt the secret of dealing with both…

“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”

This is Paul’s “secret”! The Lord. Paul trusts in Jesus and hopes in the strength that the Lord gives. It is from Christ and union with Christ that Paul draws both his strength and his joy.

“Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress”

When the Philippians heard that Paul was in prison (most likely in Rome), the Philippians had sent him financial assistance, as well as one of their own number (Epaphorditus). Paul thanks them for their loving care (he really loved this church).

“My God”

This isn’t to say that there are other true gods or that Paul’s God is different from that of the Philippians. Instead, Paul is just adding a personal description of his relationship with God.

“My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.“

Paul has complete confidence that God will provide for the Philippians whatever it is that they need and will reward them for their kindness to him.

 

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

In recent weeks, Jesus’ parables have berated the Israelite leaders for their lack of belief and shown how this disobedience will result in the incorporation of the Gentiles.

“There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” – Romans 2:9

In this week’s parable, Jesus starts describing the Kingdom in terms of a banquet, rather using the image of vineyard which we’ve heard most recently. As we saw in Isaiah, this metaphor finds its roots in Old Testament literature and, through Jesus, it will also find its place in the New Testament.

As Catholics, we readily see the banquet as an image of the Eucharistic liturgical celebration. However, this immediate fulfillment of the banquet which Jesus describes points to a future eschatological fulfillment. The Eucharist points towards the time when we will commune with God and His Saints in Heaven in a great banquet for all eternity:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

…

Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'” – Revelation 7:9-10, 19:9

This week’s Gospel parable neatly encapsulates all of Salvation History. Jesus is the Bridegroom and the banquet is final and everlasting union with God. The prophets invited the Children of Israel to the feast, but instead suffered for their message. For refusing to come to the party, Israel suffered the consequences, being defeated by other nations. Now the Apostles go out and invite all people to come to the table of the Lord…

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

A second time he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”‘

Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 

Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’  The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Questions:

• To whom is Jesus directing this parable? Why?
• What is it about the Kingdom that makes it like a banquet?
• Why do some not want to go to the banquet? Who do these people represent?
• After the guests are dispatched with, who is invited? Who might these represent?
• What is the significance of the “wedding garment”? Why does this person get such rough treatment?
• With whom can you identify in this Gospel passage?

Commentary:

“Jesus…spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people…”

They’re in for some more grief again this week…

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.”

We have already seen the image of a banquet when we read Isaiah’s prophecy in the First Reading. By Jesus describing the banquet as the son’s wedding feast, He is pointing us towards the marriage feast of the lamb described in the book of Revelation:

“One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” – Revelation 21:9-11

Who is Christ marrying? The fulfillment of Israel, His Church.

“He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”‘

The wedding feast was considered an important social occasion. To snub such an honour, such a gracious invitation, was the height of social rudeness.

These “servants”, like in previous parables, most likely represent the Prophets.

Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.”

Those who were invited to the wedding feast knew about it long in advance. Likewise, Israel knew long in advance that God would send them the Messiah. How did they respond?

The response to the King’s invitation by some is that of disinterest – they are too concerned with their own worldly affairs. The response by others is one of anger and violence towards the King’s messengers. This is consistent with the interpretation that these servants are the prophets, who were rarely well-treated by Israel.

“The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. “

As someone who’s organized large social events I can relate to this! 😉 Because of their rejection of the honour bestowed upon them by the King, they are destroyed.

Burning a city was a common military practice at the time. This possibly alludes to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’  The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

Since those who were invited did not come, others are called. It’s quite possible that these servants represent the Apostles, who take the preaching of Christ to both the Jews and the Gentiles. These new guests did not “deserve” to be invited, it comes only from the grace and goodness of the King.

These servants gather the “bad and good alike”, a reminder that the wheat and the weeds will remain alongside one another for quite some time (Matthew 13:24-43).

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 

Grace is a free gift, but it is also an awesome responsibility.  Beginning in baptism, the Christian is called to put on the character of Christ:

“…they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” – Revelation 7:14

This faith is made complete (James 2:22) by the righteous deeds which should accompany it:

Let us rejoice and be glad     and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.  Fine linen, bright and clean,     was given her to wear.”

   (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” – Revelation 19:7-9

This interpretation of the wedding garment also has strong Patristic support:

“What ought we to understand by the wedding garment, but charity?” – St. Gregory

“…the marriage garment is the commandments of the Lord, and the works which are done under the Law and the Gospel, and form the clothing of the new man. Whoever among the Christian body shall be found in the day of judgment not to have these, is straightway condemned. He said to him, Friend, how came you in here, not having a wedding garment? He calls him friend, because he was invited to the wedding as being a friend by faith; but He charges him with want of manners in polluting by his filthy dress the elegance of the wedding entertainment” – St. Jerome

“…he goes to the feast without a garment, who goes seeking his own, and not the Bridegroom’s honor” – St. Augustine

Elsewhere in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus outlines what these deeds are:

1. Almsgiving

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” – Matthew 6:2-4

2. Prayer

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” – Matthew 6:5-6

3. Fasting

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18

4. Works of Mercy

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”– Matthew 25:34-36

We read in Paul:

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” – Ephesians 4:1

To whom much is given, much is expected.