They gathered all whom they found,
both good and bad,
so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
—Matthew 22.10
The basic parable sounds like Jesus:
the realm of God is a banquet—a party!—
and in particular a party celebrating faithful love.
And everyone is invited, good and bad.
The add-on sounds like Matthew,
allegorizing 1st Century history,
and dialing back Jesus’ radical inclusivity:
many are invited but some are rejected after all.
So Jesus says it’s a party,
but Matthew says some are not dressed to party.
Like maybe they have on business attire like Matthew’s,
instead of party clothes,
because they’re here for something other
than to celebrate God’s amazing love
that includes both good and bad,
both well-dressed and not.
So. Are you ready to party?
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
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