The last few weekends have given us gospel parables that cover the gambit of considerations—from conversion to indifference, and to choosing evil. The choices we make prepare us for the intentional journey of our life toward the great love and light or heaven or the darkness and loneliness of hell.

Again, this weekend there is an array of choices in our gospel parable: shall we refuse a direct, personal invitation to God’s wedding feast, or will we be uncaring or indifferent in our choices by putting something else (work, spots or a comfortable Sunday morning) as a priority above the invitation to know God? Will we finally become so obtuse that we shall choose evil as our response to His ongoing invitation?

In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear that the Lord shall prepare for ALL peoples an invitation to His banquet table complete with rich food and choice wines; He will destroy death and wipe away our tears, eliminating all that saddens us. St. Paul in the second reading guides us to understand that God will provide for us in the midst of the good, the bad and the ugly. In addition, as Paul himself learned from the Lord how to engage in the abundance and the scarcity of the world, that with faith we shall succeed in our endeavors. Paul ends the short reading by telling us that God will provide fully for all that we need. However, shall we go to God in prayer, speaking and listening to Him—before we act?

Our gospel reiterates the past weekend’s parables in a new light, this week we must consider our own choices in the world in which we live in light of His invitation to us. Yes—the choices we make in our personal lives, choices like attending Mass and praying to God; choices like feeding the hungry, teaching the ignorant, walking with the wandering and caring for the ill or afflicted. We must also make other choices. Choices that are less personal yet they have a larger impact on us and the world around us—choices that are cultural or societal in nature. Over the last few years, these choices have been on the nightly news as well as on the front pages: choices of being pacemakers, as stated in Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes) rather than being in the all-too convenient peacekeepers. God desires us to take a stance for Truth, which will only lead us to our excellence, even though it may be difficult.

The choices all of us are called to make are His choices, those built upon a Sacred Truth, and that which shall bring goodness to all. God’s choices will not pit us against the “other,” but will lead us to an understanding of and a healing in Truth. However, following God’s Truths requires a coming together and an acknowledgement of Truth. Sometimes, sadly, the human condition just is not primed for that because of partisan politics, regional fractionalization or worse--evil. Let us look at a few of the critical choices facing our world—humanity—today:

1. The war inflicted upon Israel by Hamas and the ongoing, long-held hatred in the Middle East;

2. The degrading homelessness in our nation and the failure by our government to correct it;

3. The cultural madness of gender identity and mutilation of young children—guided by state and federal politicians and so-called medical professionals;

4. And, the ongoing and ever-increasing anxiety growing amid our teenagers and young adults, caused by the over-use of technology, and the ever-increasing pressure on young people to be perfect scholars, perfect athletes, and perfect volunteers-all to get into the “perfect” college and build the perfect life. Is it truly worth it?

These are just a few of the “choices” we are called to make and must make based on Truth. Moreover, as our readings today illustrate, the answers to the above list of woes are found in: the first reading from Isaiah tells us God invites All peoples to His banquet table; it will be laid out for all—we are one family, one team, let us begin anew by remembering that. St. Paul in the second reading reminds us that God will provide for all our needs—He is waiting to hear from us and for us to listen in silence to Him. That begins with prayer. And the Gospel of Matthew, which reminds us to be open to the invitations around us from God, through faith, and by His angels—messengers who He sends to be in our lives and perhaps to lead us to His Truths. Far too often, we may dismiss the religious sentiments of another as outdated or opposed to the culture. Remember, our youngest parishioners, those before the age of 13, are leaving the faith because they believe science says God cannot exist, and other theories. They are not taught that the Catholic faith founded and/or supported many scientific theories; and that science proves the existence of an intelligent, benevolent and loving Creator. We call Him God.

Let us begin a new and growing relationship with God. It begins with a conversation, a dialogue. We call that prayer. Prayer—dialogue—with God can be found in the rote prayers of the Church, the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and more. It may be found in sacred music. It may be found in the great outdoors—creation—and nature. It may be found in the Good Works of the Church—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, educating the lost and wandering.

Our Church has always promoted prayer and now we must teach people how to pray. What are the things we should ask God for help with? To whom do I pray? What are the kinds of prayer—petition, intercession, thanksgiving? Once we develop the skill to pray, it will turn into a love for prayer time and not an obligation. It will become life-long and lead to a peace in our hearts, a peace that will open the doors of faith for us to walk into. Moreover, God will be waiting there for us