October 11th, 2020

"But they paid no attention and went off -- one to his field, another to his business."  Matthew 22:5

How are you with excuses?  Do you have some "regular" stand bys?  What about original ones?  There are also the obvious ones -- work, food, sleep, family -- right?  Those of us who are caregivers can even add needing to be with, or do something for, our care receivers.  And, sometimes, we can even add the need to take care of ourselves into the list!

This reading is while Jesus is still speaking to the Pharisees.  He is explaining about what heaven will be like.  The celebration!  The Joy!! Being with the King!  Time with God!!  But instead these people have gone "to work."  They have "gone off," paying "no attention."  Even, in a few verses, one of the guests isn't prepared and "is speechless." (v. 12)  Each of these people have "paid no attention" to the invitation(s) which gives an "excuse" even if they were "speechless."   Work, in the field and business, and the shock (surprise?) of a personal question have given the excuse.  Of course we would say they each had a "good reason" - right?

God is still speaking to each, and all, of us -- calling and inviting.  What is our response? Excuses? Speechless? Or are we celebrating with time with the King!?