Matthew 22
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” This statement of Jesus has two parts as the parable accompanying it has two parts.
The first part reminds us that many are invited to the kingdom of heaven but not all respond to the invitation. This is well shown with the history of Israel. God sent many prophets to call people into the covenant he made with Israel through Moses. But the people of Israel were unfaithful to the covenant. They followed the idols of neighbouring nations and adopted the immoral customs of foreign peoples. Similarly, many Christians ignore their baptismal covenant with God and agree with many kinds of opposing ideas to Christianity, and then follow lifestyles contradictory to Christian teachings. As the Lord lives, Christians will also have to face certain consequences as the two kingdoms of ancient Israel eventually had to encounter – the destruction of the kingdoms and deportations.
Now the second part reminds us that no guarantee of salvation is given to Christians, especially to those who practice the faith. This might make many practicing Christians uncomfortable. The second part of the parable implies that the Lord will judge us according to our preparedness for his kingdom. The proper attire for the wedding banquet symbolizes virtues, vigilance, good deeds, or purity. As St Paul teaches we should ultimately put on Christ to prepare for the eternal wedding banquet in the kingdom of heaven. When our faith life turns merely mechanical and cultural, in other words, stagnant in a repetition of rituals and blindingly following religious customs and taboos, our spiritual clothing is no different from the worldly people’s. Unless we desire and work for genuine faith, and unless we strive for virtues, we won’t be able to put on the proper attire for the heavenly wedding banquet. Yes, this is demanding work. Yes, it does not sound simple and easy. And this is exactly what Jesus meant: few are chosen. We don’t have to be depressed at this. Let us remember our Lord wants to share his unlimited goodness with us. That’s why he calls everyone to his kingdom. He is generous and merciful. However, at the same time, it would be foolish and disastrous to presume God’s mercy on me.
