Words, Faith and Effect

 

The Rev’d Stephen E. Stults
St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Sixth Sunday after Trinity, 2025

July 27, 2025

What is the power of words?  Consider this…

“[i] Genghis Khan [a] (born Temüjin; c. 1162 – August 1227), also known as Chinggis Khan, [b] was the founder and first khan of the Mongol Empire.[ii] Many, many years ago, Genghis Khan broke off his war with the Jin to focus on the Khwarazmian Empire. First, the Khwarazmian officials dispossessed a Mongol caravan of all their goods, and sent them packing back to the steppes empty handed. A lot of the top Mongols had invested in this trading expedition, and were upset over the insult. Genghis sent envoys to clear up the apparent misunderstanding, but they were insulted and murdered. And these insults led directly to Genghis turning his attention away from the Jin (albeit temporarily) and focusing his Mongol steamrollers on wiping out the Khwarazmian Empire for their insolence.

 

Words, although intangible, obviously have great power. Words can inspire, encourage and support. Words can also enrage, enkindle, and provoke wrath. Words have started wars and ended wars. When used well, they can soothe and calm a situation. The Book of Proverbs tells us, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”[iii]  How true this is!

 

In addition, words (language) can enhance beauty and civility in society. Recently, this priest had the opportunity to sample some truly beautiful and amazing use of the English language. How?  Simply by reading two books written and published in 1850’s America. Both books were written by Nathaniel Hawthorne.  Both are well known and hold an important place in American fiction.  They are The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. Having known about them for a long time, it was wonderful to actually read them at last.  What a treat!  Granted, the style is a bit florid;

some would even say wordy and perhaps too ornamental for the modern reader. 

Perhaps that’s the point.  These books, written about ten years before the American Civil War, often referred to as the “ante-bellum” period, show a delicacy of thought and a keen command of the English language. What’s more, not a bit of crudity, vulgarity or even sensuality appeared in them. It was not necessary, because the story was told so well. How different the times were back then! Men and women of enlightenment knew the power of words and how they affected the society in which they lived.

 

Let’s fast forward some 175 years and see what has happened to our use of words. It goes without saying that our common American language, curiously called “English” rather than “Americanish” is unique.  Winston Churchill once remarked that we are “two peoples separated by a common language.” So true.  This common American language has seen serious erosion in the last 50 years or so.  The use of bad grammar is prevalent. For example, when asked about their welfare, most people say, “I’m doing good”, or simply “I’m good”, rather than the proper response, “I’m doing well.”  This usage began appearing in common speech after a famed sportscaster began using it on air. In addition, verbs are often left out in sentences, leading to a type of clipped or abbreviated speech. Correct English usage is not prized or even valued as it once was. It used to be said that one was judged by how he spoke.  Now, with the commonality of slang or “street speech”, it does not seem to matter anymore.

 

The worst aspect of our speech today is the ever-increasing use of profanity and obscenity.. This has been happening since the 1970’s, mainly in the “R” rated movies, but now its frequency and widespread usage on cable TV is quite remarkable.  Lately, to add to this, several politicians and public figures have begun using a particular obscene word with great abandon.  Thinking it will give them an “edgier” image, all it does is lower the public’s already low opinion of most politicians.

 

If we are to assign any value to Christ’s words in today’s Gospel selection, it seems the whole of society is in great trouble. Our Lord tells us that there can be severe consequences to our use of bad language. 

Jesus said that if we call someone “raca” (empty head, idiot), we may be in danger of the council. This council, called the Sanhedrin in Jesus’ time, had great power and could inflict severe punishment on offenders, in extreme cases consigning them to be stoned or even to be burned in the valley of Hinom. Thus, Insults are a serious business. Calling someone a fool exposes one to danger of damnation.  Why?  Leveling such invective at another person shows clearly that you have no love for them.  You are actually murdering your love for your fellow man or committing heart-murder.[iv] Just as Jesus told us that we can commit adultery by lusting with our eyes, so we can “murder” others by insulting or degrading them.  It takes the idea of verbal attacks or denigration to a whole new level of spiritual seriousness.

 

Where does this leave us as Christians?  Is it as simple as what our Lord told us; “³⁷ But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”[v]?  Our lives are a bit more complicated and usually require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Our Lord knew this of course when he offered this teaching. His point was that a multiplicity of words often gets us into trouble.

Rather, we should look to St. Paul’s observation: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”[vi]

 

Applying this to our daily lives, what should we do?  First, do our utmost to speak kindly to all men, regardless of station. Also, when we are insulted or verbally attacked, let us not insult or attack in return, as difficult as this is. God will give us grace to do so as we seek the bridle of the Holy Spirit on our rebellious human nature.

 

Secondly, let us consider deeply the impact of our speech on ourselves and our neighbor. Good speech offers us and those around us with a benediction, a blessing.  Hasty, negative, or insulting speech pronounces the opposite. It is, in fact, a malediction, or the complete opposite of speaking something good. Thus, let us seek to bless others with our words, both for their benefit and for ours. May our words be indicative of the peace God gives us through Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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[i] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistory/comments/1bepjx5/has_a_personal_insult_ever_led_to_a_war/

[ii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan

[iii] Proverbs 15:1

[iv] Matthew Henry, Commentary on Luke 5

[v] Matt. 5:37

[vi] Col. 4:6

Judgement and Discernment

 Trinity IV, 2025

Rev. Stephen E. Stults

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

July 13, 2025

 

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged…” Luke 6:37

 

What a statement! How many times have we Christians heard this? It is probably difficult to tell. We of the household of faith hear this little “clip” of Scripture in a variety of ways, both positively and negatively.  We read it in our own Bible study; we hear it from the propers of the day at least once a year; and we certainly hear it quoted back to us by various members of the human race.  Our hearing of it can be positive, as we remind ourselves of charity in thought and word.  Sometimes, we may even chastise ourselves for unkind judgments or unjust opinions formed about others, fairly or not. If such chastisements result in better character formation in us, it is very good. Or, if it helps us restrain our “old man”, our old unredeemed nature, even better.  A priest friend of mine often remarks about the need to “give himself a stern talking-to” from time to time.  As long as this self-examination does not become excessive, it may yield positive fruit. When it does become too much, we are concentrating on “Self” to an unseemly degree.  Rather, may we practice what C.S. Lewis called “self-forgetfulness”, or the tendency to concentrate outside of ourselves, hopefully to the betterment of others.

 

We Christians hear “judge not” in a more negative way as well. This usually comes to us in another way, as in “don’t judge me.” What does this mean? Is the World telling us not to make a value judgement about something?  Is it trying to blur the lines between good and evil, or moral vs, immoral behavior? We think so. There is a definite revulsion against anything that smacks of disapproval in the modern, post-Christian mind. This is where “don’t judge me” hits home because of the element of perceived disapproval inherent in it. Judgement, per se, must have determination to it. It must ultimately declare that some things are good and other things lack the quality of goodness; they are in fact, bad.

 

This is what the World hates. Moral absolutes have been rejected, replaced by nebulous standards of “my truth” and “your truth.” Absolute Truth does not exist in many peoples’ minds, reminiscent of Pontius Pilate’s cynical question to Jesus: “What is truth?”

 

Where then does this leave us, we who are the residue of faith? Are we worthy to pass judgement on our fellow men, sinners that we all are? Or, do we say, “Who am I to judge? There, but for the grace of God, go I?”  It’s a tough question.

 

Perhaps we can de-mystify the question with a bit of clarification.  Let us consider the difference between judgement and discernment. Judgement can be very negative, even putting us in places where we meet with spiritual peril. When we judge, are we tempted to look down on others, or have a tendency to exalt ourselves? Very possibly. The plain words of Christ himself also warn us of judgement to which we may be liable when we do this.  Yet, we are called to: ”be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”[i] We as Christians must therefore discern between good and evil, wisdom and foolishness, and morality and immorality. Discernment allows us to view the world through a Christian lens and act accordingly, as our Master Christ would have us to do.  Having used our God-given ability to discern, we may, God willing, avoid the snares and entanglements the Enemy lays for us.

 

Are we left alone to do all this “discernment” by ourselves?  Must we rely on our own strength alone?  Thank God, not so.  We are aided by the Greatest Friend anyone could ever have. The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, meaning “he who comes up alongside”, is our ever-present Companion. Poured out upon us at Pentecost, and evermore with us, He will guide and instruct us in our discernment.  It may be a subtle “check” in our spirit, or it may be a thought that pops into our heads.  It may be a still, small voice that has a remarkable clarity to it.  As we seek to grow closer to God, He will draw closer to us through the Spirit.  How wonderful this is!

 

Our challenge is to listen. Our challenge is to pause when that “check” in our spirit occurs, or when that still, quiet thought arrives in our minds. Don’t doubt or scoff at this: God will and does speak to His people; unfortunately for us, we don’t always listen.  It takes practice and a bit of discipline to listen to the Spirit.  It takes more practice and discipline to actually follow the suggestions given to us.  The “haze” and busy-ness of this worldly life we must lead can very easily drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit.  That is why we urge you to have a bit of “quiet time” with God every day. Set aside a few minutes where you give yourself to God and allow Him to be with you.  This time will yield great dividends to you, including a greater sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence within you.    

Then, over time, God will become so real to you in your everyday life.  You will hear the voice of the Spirit speaking to you from time to time; hopefully, you will listen and follow.  Your prayers will become more fervent, more comforting, and more precious than ever before. Doubt and fear will vanish and the “peace that passeth understanding” will pervade your being.

 

Then, in the hurly-burly of life, the tendency to judge negatively will fall away, and a godly tendency to discern will take its place, aided by the gracious Spirit of God.

 

 

 

 

 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.H

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[i] MAttd 10:16

Bread and Miracles

Rev. Stephen E. Stults

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

March 30, 2025

 

 

Sometimes, perhaps, do we ever think we have God “figured out? Yes, we use words like “Omnipotence or omniscient” to describe Him, but do we ever get too comfortable with God?  Maybe we have a warm, fuzzy picture of God as our benevolent Father in Heaven who loves and tolerates us. Perhaps.  Of course, He does, because His chief attribute is Love. Yet, perhaps we tend to lose sight of the concept of holy fear of God. Although, as mentioned, we vaguely think we have a “handle” on him, we do not have the slightest conception of His power.

 

We mention this because it is graphically illustrated in today’s Gospel. We have a wonderful example of it, as we consider one of the best known of Christ’s miracles.  It  confronts us completely with the enormity of Christ’s Kingship and of God’s immeasurable power.  From it, we recognize our role as humble penitents preparing for Christ’s Resurrection in our hearts and souls at Easter.

 

The portion of the Book of John from Ch. 2:1 through Ch. 12:50 has been called the “Book of Signs.”  Christ performs seven signs that clearly demonstrate both His divinity and His unique relationship to God the Father. Up to the point of the feeding of the five thousand, he had performed three signs: the changing of water into wine, the healing of the nobleman’s son, and the curing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda.[1]  Each of these signs clearly point to His Lordship over natural events, as well as the universality of his healing message. This is clearly shown as the nobleman seeks him out, despite the vast differences in their social standings.  The message is plain: Christ’s healing is meant for all, rich and poor.

 

Let us examine this grandest miracle of all, just judging by its size and scope. Christ sees the multitude coming to him, numbering in the thousands. He purposefully asks Philip: how were they going to feed this vast crowd? Philip puzzles over this before admitting that "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little."[2] Christ has the answer and proceeds to the solution, performing one of the most noted events of all time.

 

There are at least three ways to view what happened on that grassy plain.  One view is that a miracle occurred in the hearts of those listening to Christ.  That is, those who had prepared unselfishly shared their provisions with the needy, and all were fed. Perhaps, but this is not likely, especially as Jesus notes that they have been with Him three days and acknowledges their need to buy provisions from the neighboring towns.

 

Another view is that this feeding should be seen as a precursor to the Holy Eucharist, in that each participant received a tiny bit.  This view strains the narrative and does not do justice to the plain sense of Scripture, because the passage clearly says that Christ gave to the disciples and they distributed to the people, “as much as they would.”  The Scriptures clearly say the people were “filled”, not tantalized with a mere morsel.  So, we discard this view.

 

The third view of this passage is that Christ performed a genuine miracle.  Jesus, as God, took gifts of his own bounty in the form of five loaves and two small fishes, and multiplied them beyond all measure.  He didn’t, like a magician, create an illusion that bread and fish appeared, but actually multiplied them. He also did not create something out of nothing, ex nihilo. No, The disciples distributed an immense amount of magnified food, completely satisfying the multitude. As such, this is the fourth great sign of the Book of Signs.[3]

 

It is at this point that two great insights should become apparent to us.  The first is very obvious but is also very profound.  This is simply the contrast of Philip’s perplexity with our Lord’s serenity.  Philip saw thousands of hungry people coming to them, with no solution in sight.  Our Lord saw a large flock of needy sheep (people) looking to Him the great Pastor for instruction and sustenance.  Our Lord chose this instance to not only perform an act of mercy and pastoral care, but also to manifest forth his glory.

 

Here then, is the simple and profound truth: how often do we, in our human finitude, see an overwhelming situation and grasp helplessly for a solution, when God, in His Omnipotence and eternal Wisdom, has already prepared a solution?  It’s been said that God has a solution prepared for the faithful even before they see a problem.  This is a  profound observation about faith.

 

The other insight is to consider the very act of the sign itself.  First, it demonstrates clearly Christ’s absolute Kingship over all Creation. That is a given. As the fourth sign in the Book of Signs, it is the greatest in magnitude. There can be no doubt who is the performer of this great sign; thus, this miracle is for those who see with the eyes of faith.  It is undeniable.  As such, it is also the only miracle, with the exception of the Resurrection, that is recorded in all four Gospel accounts.[4] That is a testament to its significance.

 

Yet, there is another great spiritual truth for us today, that tells us about God’s magnificence and Man’s blindness.  This great truth is that Christ, in performing these mighty signs in John, did exactly what was demanded of Him by the Scribes and Pharisees in virtually every confrontation he had with them.  Recall that these self-righteous and pompous men demanded that Jesus give them a sign from Heaven in order to prove his Lordship.  Christ ignored these requests from the Pharisees, knowing their source and motivation.  He knew that even if He were to bring down fire from Heaven, similar to Isaiah, it would have no impact, or even be turned against him, as in the case where he was accused of casting out demons by the chief of demons. Thus, he refused to honor their spurious request, instead revealing His glory to the unlettered masses, or to specific individuals.  Why?  It is very simple.  The Scribes and Pharisees were not called to hear the message. Their hearing would not be mixed with faith.  Thus, it would not matter what Christ said or did, because these men, with some  notable exceptions, were not able to believe. They were truly blind guides

 

Contrast that to those whom Christ did reveal Himself.  These blessed sheep were called to hear Christ and to acknowledge His Reality.  Perhaps not all of them were prepare to call Him God or even Messiah, but many of them were. Many of them, such as Mary Magdalene, were able to see Jesus as the Christ, just as we are. Somehow, through the mystery and magnificence of God’s Grace, we are called, here, to receive that message of hope and salvation. 

 

Today’s Gospel gives us a message of bread, miracles and signs. For us, today, it is a message of hope, love and salvation.  That is, we hope, or look forward to, receiving the truth of Christ’s Kingship in our hearts. We pray that we love Him as much as He loves us, and that this love be translated to those around us, and finally, into eternal life with Him. We pray that we experience the salvation that His love calls us into.

 

Beloved in Christ, if you grasp one message from today’s Gospel, it is that of love.  God wants one thing from us, this Lent and for evermore.  He wants our love.  If we can love Him more than we love ourselves, we will satisfy God with our love.  That is what He wants. This is exactly what he did for us on Calvary.  He loved us to the exclusion of everything else, even to life itself.  He loved us with a love that is profound and eternal. He offers us a love that is ever-present and dynamic.  Not only did Christ show this by providing earthly sustenance to a hungry crowd, but he also allowed them to witness His Glory.  This He denied to the Pharisees and Scribes. 

 

Let this knowledge be a light in your Lenten Journey.  Let it fill your heart with joy.

For reasons only known to God, he has chosen us to receive the most glorious of all messages.  The message is this: Christ is King and Lord. Christ is God Almighty, who loves us with an everlasting and wonderful love that is meant for us, and for us alone.  Not for the high and mighty, not for the rich and pompous, but for us simple Christians.

 

To His everlasting glory, let us give thanks to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and forever.

 

AMEN.

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[1] http://bible.org/seriespage/exegetical-commentary-john-6

[2] John 6:7

[3] http://bible.org/seriespage/exegetical-commentary-john-6

[4] Ibid 

Words and Judgment

 Rev. Stephen E. Stults
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
July 7, 2024
 

“…whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire.”[i]

 

Words have power.  Perhaps this is an obvious statement, yet it is true.  Words send men to war. Words inspire people to do great things. Words have founded cities, launched revolutions, and caused people to accomplish things they never thought possible. Words trigger thought and thought triggers action.

 

Words do other things as well.  They also reveal our thoughts, our feelings and even our motivations.  This applies to most people, except for that special class of people called politicians, who have learned how to say the exact opposite of what they are thinking, and what may be the truth.  In short, they have learned to lie convincingly.

 

For most of us, however, we usually say what we mean, most of the time. There are exceptions, of course, like when we tell a so-called “white lie” to safeguard someone’s  feelings, or perhaps to avoid doing something we do not want to do. Like times we may have pleaded ignorance, when we actually know more than we admit, or when we have said we have a commitment to avoid appearing somewhere we’d rather not.

 

Words and languages in general, are gifts from God.  We are blessed to be able to communicate one with another, although there are a multiplicity of languages.

 

At one time, this was not true.  According to Genesis 11, in early history, mankind had one language.  This one language led to a high degree of unity, for the people concocted a plan to build a great tower “whose top may reach unto heaven…” They wanted to magnify themselves, even above God; thus their hubris had no limit.  As we see consistently throughout human history, man always wants to be his own God. One source says: “The Tower of Babel narrative conveys important messages about human pride, disobedience, and the consequences of challenging divine authority. It teaches humility and emphasizes the need for obedience to God's will rather than pursuing self-glorification and independence.”[ii]  Well said, indeed.  Without being unduly negative, it could be said that the history of mankind in regards to God is a history of disobedience.  So it seems.

 

What does God think about negative language?  Judging by the tenor of today’s Gospel selection, not very well. Thinking about the power of words, consider this: “The word “Raca” means a worthless, empty headed man; a brainless idiot, foolish, witless.”[iii] Jesus said calling someone this name could incur civil judgment. Yet, calling someone “Thou fool” could put one in danger of eternal judgement and punishment.  Considering the rather popular use of this word today among some people, it must give us pause as to its severity.

 

Thus, words have consequences.  Reading our Gospel selection certainly gives one pause. Does this mean that we are accountable for every casual or stray word that comes out of our mouth?  It would seem so.  Thus, St. Paul cautions us: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”[iv] St. James also warns us: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”[v]

 

Not only should we be on guard for statements and words, we must monitor our internal state that produces such words.  Did not Christ tell us: ”… for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh”?[vi]  Obviously, when we speak evil of someone, there is a reason for it in our heart.  Is it envy? Hatred? Disapproval? Judgment? What is the reason we speak?

 

During the solemn ceremony called Extreme Unction, or Last Rites, The priest is preparing the soul for departure into eternity.  As part of this process, the priest anoints various body parts and prays for absolution for any sins committed or aided by that member.  One is the lips, where the priest prays that the departing soul may be forgiven for any sins done by speaking or tasting. How appropriate…

On the other hand, what happens when we utter good words?  Is it possible to leave a blessing?  The very word “benediction” is quite literally translated as “good speaking.”  So, the answer is yes.

 

The Book of Proverbs tells us that: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  ² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”[vii] Just so.  Our gift of language can build up or it can destroy. It can enlighten or it can denigrate. It can cause feelings of great joy or it can cause feelings of great grief.  The choice is up to us.  Will we be trumpets of joy, or will we be drums of doom? Will we be known as spreading grace through our speech or will we merely leave blasted patches along our path, caused by our negative talk? Again, the choice is up to us.

 

A healthy spiritual condition produces speech that pleases God. As with all things good, we cannot generate the grace to do it ourselves. As history attests again and again, our own devices produce less-than-desirable fruit. 

 

Instead, let us pray that we produce fruits, “worthy of repentance”, yes, but also the peaceable fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” [viii]

 

If we, through our speech, show evidence of such fruits, how blessed shall we be?

 

 

 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.H

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[i] Matt. 5:22

[ii] Britannica, “Tower of Babel”

[iii] https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/raca/

[iv] Col 4:6

[v] James 3:8-9

[vi] Luke 6:45

[vii] Prov. 15:1-2

[viii] Gal. 5:22-23

Accept, Reject, Equivocate

 Rev. Stephen E. Stults

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Second Sunday after Trinity, 2024

 

Luke 14:16 Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many.”

According to the Gospels, Our Lord did not have “a certain dwelling place.”  We know that He was itinerate; that is, He moved from place to place and called no one destination “home.”  Perhaps one could regard his parents’ house in Nazareth “home”, but the scriptures never tell us He went there, specifically. Why do we care? For this reason. Jesus truly embraced holy poverty.  Although we know he had mastered a trade, carpentry, we never see him working at it in any of the Gospels. This differs from St. Paul, who very clearly labored at his trade, tentmaking, to provide for his needs. Christ did not.  Instead, he depended on the hospitality of friends and strangers, maybe even adversaries, to eat and to lodge.  How different from the preachers and pastors of our day! Jesus had no multi-room mansion or manor home.  He didn’t have a private jet or limo to carry Him about. No. He and his disciples walked, slept outdoors and probably were hungry a lot of the time. One must recall the scene from the cable TV series The Chosen, where the disciples return to their homes after a missionary trip.  They are questioned furiously by their wives and mothers about their diet, which seems to be very lacking.

 

Thus, our Gospel scene is typical:  Our Lord is invited to hospitality at one of the Pharisees’ houses for the Sabbath meal.  As usual in these situations, the Pharisees “watched Him closely”, not out of admiration, but that they might entangle him in His talk.

 

This particular dinner, however, doesn’t seem that hostile.  Christ relates several parables, whereupon one of the guests proclaims, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!"[i]  St. Augustine thought that this exclamation was both worthy and unworthy.  First, it was worthy for it was expressed in the context of Christ’s excellent teaching, as we read in the Bible.  Imagine what it must have been like in person!  Thus, it was a worthy point to be made.  Yet, almost in the same instant, Christ recognized it as being unworthy, for the motive behind it was the very topic of his next parable.

 

Christ did not respond to the man’s exclamation directly.  Instead he tells the party assembled that a “certain man” gave a supper and invited many. Luke tells us: "and (he) sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses.”

 

Several commentators have noted how grievous it was to decline such an invitation in those days.  When a sheik or an emir made an invitation, the expectation for one to attend was great. These invitees, however, began to demur. The one had bought oxen; the other had just acquired a farm.  These two, notes Matthew Henry, could have done their testing and their inspection on another day.  As for the newlywed, this man evidently put more emphasis on pleasing his wife than on the invitation.  His excuse, at least on the surface, is the strongest of all.

 

Again Henry notes: “The cold entertainment which the grace of the gospel meets with. The invited guests declined coming. They did not say flatly and plainly that they would not come, but they all with one consent began to make excuse, v. 18. One would have expected that they should all with one consent have come to a good supper, when they were so kindly invited to it: who would have refused such an invitation? Yet, on the contrary, they all found out some pretence or other to shift off their attendance.”

 

The reaction of the ‘great man’ is both typical and atypical.  First, when told of his guests’ excuses, he becomes angry.  This is most understandable, especially when one of great importance does something for someone and the offer is spurned.  St. Augustine tells us that unrequited mercy stirs great wrath.  True enough.  For example, on a much, much smaller scale, how do we feel when we have kindly let another person in front of us in traffic, only to have that person fail to acknowledge our action, even with a wave of the hand?  Thus, the great man’s reaction is typical: anger.

 

His other reaction is atypical.  Instead of merely sulking and perhaps dining in solitude, he commands his servants to go out into the poorest parts of the city and bring in the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, in short, the most disadvantaged of society.  The rich and the favored were first invited, but they chose to decline the gracious invitation.

 

This being done, the lord is informed that his palace still has room.  Now, he commands his servants to go out into the highways and hedges and “compel them to come”, that his house may be full. The parable ends with a ominous note as the great man says, ”For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” It is significant when one considers the audience of the parable. Of course, Christ is talking against the Pharisees and the other Jewish religious leaders. They are sitting with their long-awaited Messiah but fail to see it.  They have been invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb but have chosen to disregard the invitation. In a perfect fulfillment of Isaiah as quoted by St. Luke: “that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. “[ii]

 

This is evidence of further hardness of heart that began soon after the Exodus from Egypt.  The Lord told Moses before his death: “Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me…”[iii]  Thus, the ominous tone of the great man’s statement: “That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”  Disobedience and separation go hand-in-hand.

 

Yet, the Jews did not see it that way. Having trusted in Abraham and Moses for their righteousness and thinking that scrupulous keeping the Law would ensure their favor in God’s eyes, they were bold, proud and impudent.  They were the Chosen People of God, a group set apart and wholly dedicated to God.  Yet, rather than spread the Law and the knowledge of God to all lands, the Jews built walls and fences, both literally and figuratively, to avoid contagion from the World. How telling are St. Paul’s last words in Acts 28:28: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”

 

St. Augustine saw the excuses as various forms of pride.  The first man’s excuse, that of having bought five yoke of oxen, is an examples of pride in great possessions, for why the emphasis on five yoke of oxen?  He is simply bragging.  The next man has bought a farm and thinks that he must see it now.  Again, this is the sin of concupiscence as he must inform the messenger of his new possession.  The last man has married a wife, thus providing for the needs of the flesh over the needs of the spirit.  The point is not that he could not attend, but that he would not. Our Lord is very clear; when called to the Supper, we should hastily attend.

Let’s bring this back to us.  With the depiction of the Jews in the Scriptures, it is too easy  to cluck our tongues disapprovingly. Yet, here’s the reality of it: we all act that way.  The Jews are God’s Chosen People, meant to be an example to all mankind.  While they were to exhibit righteousness and be a beacon to all mankind to follow God’s Law, so often in the Scriptures they do the exact opposite of righteousness; thus they are examples of our human-ness, merely reminding all of us of our common human nature.  God uses the His People as the great object lesson for all mankind, both positively and negatively.

 

When we see those in this parable, rejecting God’s gracious invitation, or following their own way rather than the Will of God, or rejecting Christ in general, we need to ask ourselves, “How often have we done the same?”  How often have we ridden roughshod over the Spirit’s gracious invitations to be Lord over our lives?

How often have followed our own sinful inclinations, usually to our detriment?  In short, have we spurned God’s grace, thinking that we have a better way? 

 

The answer to this is rhetorical.  We must answer this in our most meditative and introspective moments. These moments can yield the most spiritual progress. For it is in these times that God speaks most clearly to us, if we will just be still and listen.  Listen to that small, still voice calling you to Him. Listen for those quiet, peaceful suggestions that lead you to greater knowledge of God and, at the same time, smooth the path before you. Seek to quiet the unruly condition of your souls by putting the bridle of the Holy Spirit upon them.

 

Then, be still and know that God is God. Amen.

 

 

 

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[i] Luke 14:15

[ii] Luke 8:10

[iii] Numbers 32:11-12