28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Generous Lord,

I have received an invitation to a glorious banquet,

May grow to understand the value of this honor,

and reflect my gratitude through my words and actions.

It is you who wraps me in love, adorns me with grace,

and washes away all my sin; making me worthy.

All are welcome to the banquet of the Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 25 :6-10a

• How does the idea of a banquet translate into how God calls you to live out your daily life? How is your daily life lived out as a banquet?
• What is the veil Isaiah speaks of in this scripture? What is it that veils you from seeing God clearly?
• Does this scripture help you understand about the veil which separates people from God in times of sorrow, pain and loss? Does it reassure you or scare you? Explain.

Philippians 4:12-14,19-20

• God gives without measure. Can you say you give without measure? When you give, do you do it with expectation or out of obligation?
• What reassurance do you have that God will supply you with all you need?
• What is the secret of living in abundance with nothing? Does St Paul give you any indications how he does it? What suggestions would you give?

Matthew 22:1-4

• Where do you find the parallels in this scripture and the kingdom of God?
• How does this scripture change your perspective, knowing you are invited to attend the banquet? What can you do to get ready for the banquet?
• Imagine yourself as a guest at the banquet. How do you feel? How do you interact with the other guests?

General Questions for Journaling

• How has God been a hero in your life? Share a time when God swooped in and saved the day, wiped away tears and all rejoiced.
• Make a list of 20 things that are worth celebrating. What makes them worthy of celebration? Are they only important to you or to others as well?
• Identify a struggle you face currently. Pray this scripture each day as you face the challenge; then write down your thoughts and feelings about this struggle each day.
• Share examples of times when human strength is not enough; only God’s strength can persevere.
• What feelings are associated with an invitation? How do you feel when you send out an invitation? How do you feel when you receive an invitation?
• When have you ignored an invitation? What were your reasons for not accepting?
• Are you open or closed to God’s invitation to join Him at the feast? 
• What is impressive about a banquet feast? Are there different rules for a banquet feast than for a typical meal? What would you wear to a banquet feast? How would act? What would be the topics of conversation?
• How do you invite others to the feast God has prepared? Share a specific example.
• What would you serve if Jesus came to your house for a meal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You have prepared a feast for me;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader: You have set the table with fine linen;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have killed the fatted calf;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have the finest wine;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have invited all to the feast;

ALL:  I am humbled by your presence!

Leader:  You have called me to be your beloved;

ALL:   I am humbled by your presence!

Challenge for the Week:  Whatever season of life you are in, there is “fasting” and “feasting” involved.  For example, a newlywed couple might be in a “fasting” season of time spent with friends or family because they are “feasting” on the new married life relationship.  They are focused on building their lives together as one and adjusting to the give and take of joining two households together.  Through this season, there are “personal” things they give up such as their bottle cap or stuffed animal collection to make room for “their” things and in turn “feast” in the joy of new memories made together.  Reflect this week on the things you “fast from” and “feast on” during the season of life you are currently in.  What drives the things you fast or feast from?  Do you have some kind of control over the things you fast from?  Are the things you feast on helping to build the kingdom of God in your midst?  Where is Christ in your fasting and feasting?