A wedding feast in Palestine during the time of Jesus was a big celebration involving almost the whole village. It was an occasion for family gathering, renewing friendship, showing generosity, celebration of the abundance of blessings received. It is a happy and festive atmosphere in the village. Jesus compares the happy occasion to the Kingdom of God. The wedding feast is prepared by a king for his beloved son. It is therefore strange that the invited guests refuse to attend the occasion. They ignore the king’s invitation due to their plans for travel or work. Some even manifest ingratitude by killing the king’s servants. When the invited guests refuse the invitation, the feast is thrown open to everyone who comes by the road.
The parable reflects the relationship between God and the Jews, his chosen people. It is also a reflection of our own relationship with Jesus. He invites us to enjoy His love, to love Him above all things and to be faithful to Him. But often, we ignore His invitation because we are full of ourselves and God is of little importance in our life. Not to pay attention to God’s invitation is to ignore invitation to enjoy His love and be part of a rejoicing community. This attitude of indifference, insensitivity and selfishness offends God.
