Reflection for Monday 4th November from Rev Paul SmithLuke 14:16-23Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. (NIV)ReflectionThis part of Autumn, as the days grow shorter, besides the commemoration of those injured or fallen in war, is often a time for various sorts of parties and celebrations, maybe as St Luke describes in the story of the Great Feast, our reading for today. A great feast, as with any sort of party or gathering, means a lot of work and also a lot of people especially because of the elaborate food and drink for all those who are there..That’s the first thing to think about. You usually go to a party or a dinner because you know you are likely to get a treat. Beforehand your imagination could get you going! So…...can any of us really imagine what God has in store for us?...certainly in eternal life.“If a parent knows how to give good things to their children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” How? Just ask and trust.Look at the excuses given by those invited to the feast. Quite honestly, they don’t seem to match the occasion. These people shut off their lives from real blessing because of an impulse important to them at the time.And us? Are there any concerns or worries that shut us off from God’s blessing or guidance? This may be the time once more to trust and turn to God.A prayerAlmighty and everlasting God,we thank you that you have brought us safelyto the beginning of this day.Keep us from falling into sinor running into danger,order us in all our doingsand guide us to do alwayswhat is righteous in your sight;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
