Jesus lets us know that God calls us all to his kingdom. Moreover, Jesus shows us how to clothe ourselves with him, so we may be of those whom God chooses.

Today’s parable makes clear that those who accept God’s call to his kingdom must clothe themselves in a proper way. The right garb is crucial; it sets the few who are chosen apart from the many who are called.

It is clear, too, that “many” means “all.” For the call is for all those that the servants may find in the streets, good and bad. God wants to save all.

And this goes to show, too, that we cannot foil his call and gifts. We may turn down his call and not do right by his Son. But, for sure, God finds ways and means to make his call bear fruit and to give out his gifts.

Yes, the chief priests and the elders of the people, the leaders of worship, turn his call down. And they do not receive his Son. Yet through their transgression salvation comes to those they put down (see Rom 11, 11). To the little folks, to whom the Father makes known what he hides from the wise and the learned.

The garb to clothe ourselves with

No doubt, then, to wear the garb fit for God’s kingdom means, in essence, to stay humble. To clothe oneself with humility is to clothe oneself also with mercy, kindness, meekness, and patience. That is to say, humility brings all other virtues with it (SV.EN XII:172). And to be humble is a must for us as we deal with one another.

In other words, to clothe ourselves properly for God’s kingdom is, ironically, to get rid of our clothes as does Jesus. Though he is in the form of God, he does not regard equality with him the thing to cling on to. Rather, he empties himself, takes the form of a slave, comes in human likeness. And human in appearance, he humbles himself and becomes obedient to death, even death on a cross. Yes, he is lowly and obedient even to the giving up of his body and the shedding of his blood for all. And he gets rid of what he is and has. For he puts his trust in God, who makes up in full for what he needs.

Do we clothe ourselves so with Jesus Christ?  Or do we crave power, wealth and glory, and seek to suppress, persecute or oppress others?

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that we truly clothe ourselves with you. Do not let us become proud, but rather let us stand in awe, aware that if God does not spare natural branches, he may well not spare grafted branches.

15 October 2023
28th Sunday in O.T. (A)
Is 25, 6-10a; Phil 4, 12-14. 19-20; Mt 22, 1-14