The world can sometimes seem like a miserable place, filled with negativity, injustice, violence, and suffering. But this is not God's wish or doing. God has a dream for us, which is the vision of the holy mountain. People will be gathered into God and fed with the finest foods and wines. More importantly, death will be abolished, and darkness will be lifted from human minds and hearts. God prepares a feast for us - so why are so many starving, both physically and spiritually?

God prepares the banquet for us and issues the invitations, but many people just can't be bothered to attend. They are busy; they have other commitments; there are other things more important. In the parable of the wedding feast, the king is hurt and angered. Since the invited were not worthy to attend the banquet, he ordered his servants to issue a general invitation - anyone could come. God invites and accepts many whom we see as unworthy or outside of God's household. God will accept anyone who comes to him, but does not force or coerce. God invites us constantly - how do we respond? What are our excuses? There is only one acceptable response - here I am, Lord!