A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church at the 8:30am service on Trinity XX, October 24, 2004. Please read St. Matthew 22:1-14.

It is difficult for people to accept the notion that we are all sinners in the sight of God. This is a point where the gospel rubs against the grain of popular culture. We like to think of ourselves as basically good people who are on good terms with the Creator, or at least are neutral in our standing with him. The idea that we need a Savior to die on our behalf, saving us from the wrath of God, runs counter to the way that human beings like to think about reality. But, even among those who come to accept the notion of human guilt before God, the definition of sinfulness is usually attached to a simple reading of the Ten Commandments. Murder, adultery, theft, etc., are worthy of God’s wrath whether they are committed overtly or in one’s heart and mind. However, how often to do we consider the offense toward God that is committed when his creatures rebuff his overtures of fellowship?

In Matthew 22, Jesus gives the parable of the wedding feast, in which a king invites his servant to attend a wedding feast for his son. Amazingly, the servants make light of the good will of their king. They spurn his invitation, kill his messengers and make foolish excuses to avoid attending the feast. Understandably, the king is quite angry over this great insult and sends his armies to destroy the offenders. In order to fill the places of those originally invited, the king invites the common folk in the highways and byways to come to the wedding feast. Although the wedding is “furnished with guests” there is occasion for additional insult to the king. One of the guests is not wearing a proper wedding garment. We know that this guest also deserves the king’s wrath for this behavior, because the Scriptures tell us he was without excuse – “he was speechless”.

Jesus told this story to illustrate the great sin that the ancient people of Israel committed in their rejection of God’s invitation to enjoy fellowship with him. They did this by failing to keep his covenant, by rejecting his messengers, the prophets, and finally by rejecting Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We must bear in mind, however, that Jesus is God’s invitation to fellowship not only for ancient Israel but also for the whole world. Thus everyone who rejects the gospel of Jesus Christ rejects God’s gracious invitation to enjoy an eternity of fellowship with him. This is most profoundly presented to us in the Lord’s Supper. It is the marriage supper for Christ and his bride, the Church. It is a call to share in union and communion with our Lord.

Indeed, God has been so good and gracious to us by inviting us to draw near to him. Are we responding appropriately to his invitation, or are we treating it lightly? Have we allowed the cares and concerns of this world to eclipse our devotional life and commitment to the fellowship of his church? Let us turn to God, today, and commit ourselves anew to hear and obey his call to the feast. 
Amen.