October 12, 2008, 28th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

We’ve entered the “difficult readings” of Matthew’s parables–last week’s, this week’s–they seem to present a “raging, moody, cantankerous God” who outdoes us, if that’s possible, in vengeance. Not only does he not forgive those who killed His servants (something Christ will do from the Cross,) He trashes those not fully prepared for the feast–those not clothed in the wedding garment after they’ve been dragged in from Heaven knows where, to eat! Christians have enjoyed seeing this parable as “the replacement of the Jews by Christians, and the wedding garment symbolizing baptism!” but that seems to me a spiritually lazy approach. We need to read this parable as a response to Isaiah’s vision for the future, which is one of God’s bounty being acknowledged by all the earth, as all make their way to God, and join the banquet, and tears of angers ancient and rages new all melt away as we learn to care for each other, and then, even death–the last human enemy–will be overcome. The question then that this parable raises is: “How do we live with the words of Isaiah’s positive hopefulness, in a world that is so very ugly and vicious? Is it even possible?” This Gospel parable is all about realism! It second guesses the entire Christian/Isaiahan project. Is it possible to overcome hate, and love the enemy deeply when the enemy doesn’t quit? St. Paul reminds us that in God there is always ABUNDANCE—whatever we need, He will supply. So, take heart. The possibility for overcoming the violence within us is there. Let’s try. Shall we?