Today's parable was prompted by the remark of a guest at table who said, "Happy is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God." It was a very true statement but Jesus sensed an underlying presumption that the speaker automatically included himself. However, Jesus is throwing a banquet to which He has been inviting people to join. It is an invitation to join Him in establishing that Kingdom. But many of those listening find excuses not to go. So, people regarded as outsiders are invited instead. They include religious outsiders, the poor, the blind and the lame - people often seen as abandoned by God. To go back to the beginning of the passage, blessed indeed are those who eat together in the Kingdom but only those who respond to the invitation will enjoy the privilege.

We have no more right to presume than those Jews who rejected Christ. We too are being invited to go into the Lord's banquet hall but it is important that we respond to the call. We do that by totally accepting and living out the teaching of Jesus our Lord. It is not something that we can take for granted.