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Good morning.Ìý One of the best weddings I ever attended was in 2021. At the end of the long lockdown, close friends of mine had an intimate ceremony in a Perthshire field with a banquet for 40 guests and dancing under the stars. We were all there for the full day. We all knew that we had been carefully chosen to be present. We felt privileged to be there.

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Jesus tells a story about a king who throws a wedding banquet for his son. Many subjects refuse to come to the feast, so the king sends the invitation further afield, only to be rejected again by those who are unappreciative or too busy to attend. Eventually, he instructs the servants to travel to the street corners and invite anyone they encounter there to come to the party. The story ends with the hall full of guests, though those who were invited at first are not present.

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The kingdom of God, Jesus is saying, is not an exclusive one. There is room for those who might not consider themselves good, worthy or religious. Entry to the feast is not earned by good works, but is a gift from the host. Many are invited, says Jesus, but few are chosen.

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Theologians describe this invitation as ‘grace’ - unmerited, undeserved acceptance by God and forgiveness of wrongdoing. It’s the offer of a brand new outfit and a seat at the finest dinner imaginable, with the knowledge that the host really wants you to be present.Ìý It seems inconceivable that anyone would turn this down - yet busyness, distraction and pride can stop any of us from hearing and accepting God’s invitation.

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Heavenly Father, Your Kingdom is described as being one of righteousness, peace and joy. Thank you that the invitation to experience it is offered freely. Help us to hear and respond to the invitation with thankfulness. ÌýAmen