Whenever we ponder about God’s invitation for all of His creation, the parable of the great feast comes to mind. We can read in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus talking about a great feast which everyone is invited. This story highlights the boundless grace of God and the call for all people—regardless of their status or circumstances—to enter into communion with Him.
The banquet symbolizes the Kingdom of God, a space of joy, fulfillment, and eternal fellowship. Accepting the invitation means embracing the life of faith, which leads to a deep relationship with God and participation in His redemptive plan for the world. Jesus emphasizes that the invitation is extended to everyone, especially those who society often overlooks—the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast. This is a reminder of God’s inclusive love and the challenge to reflect this inclusivity in our lives by welcoming others.
In the parable, some decline the invitation due to everyday human concerns—business, possessions, or personal matters. This mirrors the distractions we face today that can pull us away from fully accepting God’s call. Reflecting on this challenges us to prioritize God above all else. Accepting Jesus’ invitation means a wholehearted “yes” to His grace, love, and lordship. It is a commitment to live in a way that honors Him, including repentance, acts of service, and growing in spiritual maturity.
Therefore, as followers of Jesus, we are also called to invite others to the banquet. This means sharing the Gospel through our words, actions, and lives, ensuring that everyone knows they are welcome at God’s table. I leave you with this question to think about: How does this invitation resonate with your life right now? What might be keeping you from fully accepting it, or how can you joyfully embrace it? Walk on the path of life, and live it according to Jesus’ invitation, which is directed towards you today.
Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian
