– Scripture:

                      The Story of the Dinner Party 

That triggered a response from one of the guests: “How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom!” Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’ “Then they all began to beg off, one after another, making excuses. The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’ “Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’ “And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’ “The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, ‘Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.’ “The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’ “The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.’ ”

                        Luke 14:15–24 MSG

 – Reflection:

We all have been through something where we thought we were helping or knew we were helping, but no one wanted to take you up on what was being offered. Well, Jesus says this is how the Father feels. He has invited us all into his house for dinner, but there are many that are too busy to come. I have accepted the invitation, and I am sitting at the table waiting for everyone else to show up so we can say grace and eat. Everyone is invited; this is probably the most important meal you will ever be invited to.

Where do we go from here?

Find a quiet place for you, and begin to speak to Jesus. No one is watching you no need to feel ashamed. Get in front of him and allow him into your heart. He will not push his way in; you have to ask him to come. Once you do, then the work starts, but it will all come from you. 

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for setting the table for us and allowing us the ability to join in the celebration with you. Everyone will not accept the invitation even though we have all worked so hard to get everyone here. Our thoughts and hearts go out to those who have not accepted or are afraid to accept. It is from you who we all come from and will return to if we have accepted you as our savior. Father, continue to allow the graces you have earlier as we wait on those still to come. In your name, we all said. Amen.