Walking with Jesus: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, October 11, 2026

Isaiah 25:6-10; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14


Down through our lifetimes we have heard that God created the world and all that is in it. The masterpiece of His creation is humanity. So often and for so long, philosophers, theologians and those interested in how the world began have come up with various thoughts on the beginnings of the world, creation, and humanity itself. While Moses wandered for 40 years throughout the Sinai Peninsula, the local tribes and cultures wrote “books” about the Beginnings. Since they were very conscious of the seasons and nature’s many twists, they felt that gods were in control — gods of thunder ... rain ... floods. Most of their theories maintained that creation started with a giant war between the gods, so the world and its people were bad. Moses counteracted, saying no, God is good: Out of love He created with the purpose that all would go to Heaven to be with Him forever. Today’s readings put a face and description on what this would be like. What is heaven like? How can one get there? Is it open to all? What about the mean people?

The exiled Israelites in Babylon feel detached because they have been uprooted and in “slavery” in a strange land, away from family, loved ones and even their God, Yahweh. Nevertheless they are convinced that God will liberate them. But they don’t believe that God will deal only with them: God will provide for all peoples who are hurting. We can see this in the writings of Isaiah and others who have a universal outlook: God has a plan to favor all peoples, and this will change the world. Even after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, the Christian “movement” opens its communities to Gentiles who customarily have been despised by Jews. Isaiah’s vision is eschatological in nature: First. it is universal in character — all people will have divine reproach lifted from them. Furthermore, it states that all promises will be kept “on that day” of salvation. Once death is destroyed there will be no more cause for tears; instead there will be rejoicing — and all will acclaim God, His blessings and promises.

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar and best loved psalms. God is characterized as the host who supervises a banquet and within whose house the psalmist ultimately dwells.

Paul is speaking differently. He’s not talking about the Christian outlook on life that shapes the mindset — attitudes, emotions, values and priorities — to live through the ordinary trials and sufferings that assail everyone. Rather, he is speaking of the suffering to come at the end time — the apocalyptic suffering known as “both hands” of the Messiah. The ultimate reward is the end that has been promised: a share in the glory of heaven. It is out of the graciousness of God that human beings are invited to participate in it. Jesus has promised heaven to those who believe, have faith, and know God’s love. They are called to share this among all by loving, forgiving, and helping the hurting and those in the most need.

Matthew has been encouraging his listeners and us to prepare for the end times. Two Sundays ago, Jesus used His parable that described the unfaithfulness of those who have a special relationship with God — the chief priests and elders. Jesus warned that tax collectors and prostitutes will enter heaven before them. Last week we saw that those who were in charge had made a habit of killing the prophets sent to them, ultimately killing Jesus, the beloved son, because of their desire to have more for themselves and make themselves bigger and important. And today we hear that the invitation given to all was refused by the righteous, chief priests and religious leaders because they were preoccupied with their own affairs, indifferent to the hurting of the people. Greater love was found in street people. Is this point plain enough?

So I reflect on:

• Is God saying my salvation is conditional? Was Jesus’ love conditional?
• Do I accept some people and shun others? Who am I to be the judge?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“The wrong types who received the invitations to the king’s wedding banquet for his son not only spurned the offer but went out of their way to cause hurt and distress. The king, however, was not going to allow their behavior to spoil the proceedings. The story reminds us of how we ourselves have rejected much of what we have been offered and that God, in His munificence, has made the same opportunity available to many who seem unworthy. I need help to be like the Father in His generosity and compassion.”