Queenship of Mary
Readings:
Ezekial 36:23-28
Matthew 22:1-14
Reflection:
The readings today can be taken from the Queenship of Mary or the readings of the day. Both hold beautiful messages and the chance to reflect on our faith.
The readings of the day hold two familiar expressions: ‘You shall be my people and I will be your God’ (Ezekial) and ‘For many are called, but few are chosen’ (Matthew). At first glance they might seem to be contradictory messages but a closer look brings consistency. Ezekial’s message speaks to a longing in the people for their homeland and all that it implies for faith, culture, family and identity. So many people in our world today are displaced, or have chosen to migrate, but common to all, I believe, is a yearning to be at home, to belong. Whether that is a physical place or the familiarity of the place we find ourselves in, that sense of being at home brings a sense of rightness, of comfort and relationship. Knowing that wherever we are, God is with us can be what helps us accept difficult situations. It also helps us recognise and be thankful for the good things in our life.
In a similar way the story of the wedding feast challenges us to consider this sense of belonging. Do I accept the invitation to be part of the group to which I belong or am I constantly looking for something better or different. And even when I accept and commit to this wonderful opportunity to be in relationship with God, do I wear the wedding garment, that is, do I act in a way that strengthens my belonging to God, and to building the ‘home’ where I am. Today, I am happy to be at the wedding feast with the God who has called me to belong.
Margaret Bentley is a Salesian Sister and is currently the Academic Manager at the English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry (ELSPM) begun by the Passionists in 2014 to enable their students to learn English before continuing to the Novitiate or theological studies.