The invitation

Firstly, my apologies for the missing blog last week. I was in Auckland and unable to post my usual Sunday sharing.

Also, you may remember me telling you that this platform has a limited capacity of notifications and once my quota is reached some people will miss out. However, you can go directly to my website, www.chrisskinner.org.nz , click on the blog and receive it that way if you have not received the notification into your inbox.

Now to this week's Sunday Sharing.

The invitation to the wedding feast of God's Kingdom has been set in motion, some people still make excuses and refuse to respond. Sometimes we may notice in ourselves a lukewarm response to Christ who invites us because we are caught up in things that ultimately fail to satisfy. Today we can renew our desire and hope in the one who saves us.

The parable of today's Gospel from Matthew 22:1-14, has the servants of the king going out on to the roads and collecting everyone they could find to the wedding, bad and good alike because those who should have known better failed to show. The Church we belong to is not perfect. It is made up of people like you and me. We have a place setting at the feast and there is no top table where the extra special guests sit. We are all called and are honoured guests.

However, the invitation to the wedding feast is not to be taken for granted . We need to acknowledge the privilege and dignity of being a guest by wearing a wedding garment. St Paul in Romans 13:14 asks us to 'put on Christ,' allowing ourselves to be influenced and guided by the life and teachings of Jesus. How inspiring it is to witness the faith, goodness and witness of our fellow guests and for us to give that kind of witness too.

A great witness who lived the values of the kingdom was Mother Aubert also known as Meri Hohepa. This year has been the 100 anniversary of her death. This Sunday afternoon at 2pm at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay, I will be in concert with Fr James Lyons who will be sharing the background to several joint songs we have composed, honouring the legacy of Mother Aubert. The song I have chosen for you this week is a song called, 'With our Mother Suzanne' (Thanks be to God) inspired by her prayer, 'Thanks be to God for all he has done and is doing for us.' This version is in Maori. The song is also in English and French.

Blessings on your week.