The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“How is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?” (Matthew 22:12)
Suppose you’re invited to a good friend’s wedding. After the ceremony, you enter the reception hall and you notice another guest, his face unshaven, wearing blue jeans and a torn tee-shirt, piling food on his plate. The groom, feeling angry and insulted, walks over to him and says, “How could you? Please leave!” You’re not surprised; after all, this man showed your friend terrible disrespect. His attitude was even worse than his clothing!
In the same way, the man at the end of Jesus’ parable was out of place. He chose not to wear the wedding garment provided for him, in a sense snubbing the king’s generous offer to clothe him with dignity. We can liken this to the clothing of the saints in heaven, “the righteous deeds of the holy ones” spoken of in the Scriptures (Revelation 19:8; Zephaniah 1:7-8). We may think he was treated harshly, but it’s actually what he chose for himself. For the wedding garment—the righteousness available through Jesus’ sacrifice—was his for the taking. He just didn’t put it on!
You too have been invited to a wedding banquet, the “feast of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:19). You will never receive an invitation more important than this one. So don’t stick it in a drawer. Get ready! Take the grace you have been given and respond to it as best you can. Dedicate yourself to a life of virtue and holiness. Cultivate your friendship with, and your love for, the bridegroom. Clothe yourself every day in “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 4:12).
Just one note of caution: Beware of merely racking up good deeds to impress the Lord. He is far more interested in quality than quantity. He wants to see a change in your heart, not just the things you do. That’s why he is so pleased when you put aside selfishness and let his love flow out of you. It’s why he is excited to see you embrace opportunities to bring his joy, encouragement, or wisdom to those who need it. As long as you are trying to love, you need never fear ending up like this unfortunate man.
“Lord, I want to be your witness in the world today! Purify my heart, and give me the strength always to put service before self!”
Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5, 7-10
Daily Marriage Tip for August 22, 2013:
One version of the marriage vows states, “to have and to hold from this day forward.” Pay attention to that little word “hold’ today. When times are tough or emotions raw, sometimes firmly and lovingly holding each other is the best comfort.