Accept God’s Invitation
In this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us to accept God’s invitation.
Today’s Gospel tells the parable of the wedding banquet, reminding us that God invites us to join Him at His banquet. He has already prepared everything and set the table before us. All we need to do is respond to His invitation and accept it.
However, as we accept His invitation, we must also wear the proper garments. This does not refer to our outward clothing but rather to the posture of our hearts as we come before Him. In God’s eyes, we are precious and important. That is why He invites us to be with Him and share in His kingdom.
Furthermore, we must prepare our hearts because God desires to unite us with Him. A wedding symbolizes the union between two people, reminding us of the intimate relationship God wants to establish with us. His invitation comes from His deep love for us. Therefore, we must nurture our relationship with Him every day through prayer, worship, and faithful obedience.
As we come before God, let us clothe our hearts with the proper garments: praise, forgiveness, and thanksgiving. When we cultivate these qualities within ourselves, they will naturally become visible in our outward actions, especially in the way we treat others. A heart transformed by God’s love will reflect His goodness through kindness, humility, and compassion.
Ultimately, accepting God’s invitation means more than simply showing up. It means preparing our hearts, growing in our relationship with Him, and allowing His love to transform our lives.
Therefore, let us accept God’s invitation with hearts clothed in praise, forgiveness, and thanksgiving, ready to meet Him and faithfully respond to His unfailing love.
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 11, 2026
First Proclamation: Isaiah 25:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:1-3, 4:6-7
Second Proclamation: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 22:1-14
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