Today’s author is Rev. Steve Sveom, retired ELCA pastor and Prince of Peace member.
Matthew 22:8-10 8 Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad, so the wedding hall was filled with guests. NRSVUE
Saturday, January 4, 1997, there was a wedding scheduled. Jeff and Connie were getting married. But there was also a blizzard. By late morning, only one lane of the highway was open for the bride and her family to drive to the Church. It wasn’t safe for her or for her family – and not for guests that may have had a little further to travel. There was no choice – the wedding was postponed and rescheduled for the next day – Sunday afternoon. The aunt of the groom got on the phone and called friends who lived close by: “the wedding is happening and we want people there…relatives can’t make it…but we have lots of food. Will you come?” A group of unlikely guests, many previously uninvited, arrived to share the bountiful food…but also to support a young couple as they began their marriage in an unexpected way that would create a story to tell for the rest of their lives.
This parable of Jesus was re-enacted by a blizzard, an aunt, and a gathering of people brought together by a gracious invitation, good food, and a couple to support as they began their marriage journey in a most unique way. I think that is a bit like the kingdom of heaven.