Reflect today on God who comes to you and invites you to share more fully His life of grace

“One man had a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for supper came, he sent his servant to tell the guests: "Come, now everything is ready." But one by one, they all began to apologize. "Luke 14: 16-18a

This happens much more often than we think at first! How does it happen? It happens every time that Jesus invites us to share his grace and we find ourselves too busy or busy with other more "important" things.

Take, for example, how easy it is for many to intentionally skip Sunday Mass. There are countless excuses and rationalizations that people use to justify not having Mass on some occasions. In this parable above, Scripture goes on to speak of three people who have apologized for the party for "good" reasons. One just bought a field and had to go and inspect it, one just bought some oxen and had to take care of them, and another just got married and had to stay with his wife. All three had what they thought were good excuses and so they didn't come to the banquet.

The party is the Kingdom of Heaven. But it is also any way you are invited to participate in God's grace: Sunday mass, daily prayer times, the Bible study you should attend, the mission talk you should attend, the book you should read or the act of charity that God wants you to exhibit. Every way that grace is offered to you is a way that you are invited to God's feast. Unfortunately, it is very easy for some to find an excuse to deny Christ's invitation to share his grace.

Reflect today on God who comes to you and invites you to share more fully His life of grace. How is he inviting you? How are you invited to this fuller participation? Don't look for excuses. Answer the invitation and join the party.

Lord, help me see the many ways you are calling me to share more fully your life of grace and mercy. Help me to recognize the feast that is prepared for me and help me to always make you the priority in my life. Jesus I believe in you.