you are invited
"Tell those who were invited, See, I have my dinner prepared! My bullocks and corn-fed cattle are killed; everything is ready. Come to the feast." —Matthew 22:4
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would "provide for all peoples" (Is 25:6) a mountain-top banquet in which He would "destroy death forever," "wipe away the tears from all faces," and remove "the reproach of His people" (Is 25:7-8). "The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain" (Is 25:10), and at this banquet He will save us (Is 25:9).
Isaiah's prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus. Those baptized into Him will live forever with Him in perfect happiness (see Col 3:1). There is no reproach or "condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rm 8:1). At Jesus' banquet, He feeds us not "rich food and choice wines" (Is 25:6) but His body, blood, soul, and divinity (see Catechism, 1374).
Isaiah's prophecy will be fully and finally fulfilled in heaven at the wedding banquet of the Lamb, that is, Jesus (Rv 19:7; see also Mt 22:2). "The Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Rv 7:17).
You are invited to Jesus' banquet. You are invited to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You are invited to live your Baptism and to go to heaven. Accept the invitation.
Prayer: Father, clothe me with holiness (see Mt 22:11).
Promise: "My God in turn will supply your needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus. All glory to our God and Father for unending ages! Amen." —Phil 4:19-20
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen Bridegroom, Lamb, Savior, Lord, and God!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002