August 20, 2026
St. Bernard
An Open Invitation
Many are invited, but few are chosen.
Matthew 22:14

Occasionally, Jesus’ words in the Gospel can come off as harsh, insensitive or exclusive. Nonetheless, we must remember that he—far from oblivious to our sensibilities—invites all of us to follow him. Not only that, but he goes out of his way to help us do so. In the parable in today’s Gospel, this is emphasized yet again, as we recognize the importance of responding to his call lest we face the consequences of ignoring it.

Not only does the Lord call us to follow him; he likewise expects us to invite others into the life of discipleship. While it may be tempting to eschew or delay God’s expectations to evangelize, we ought to recall the privileged status that we have as his sons and daughters that consistently impels us to RSVP in the affirmative to his holy will.

Heavenly Father, inspired by the pious life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, draw us to accept your loving invitation throughout our lives.

- Mr. Justin McClain, O.P.

Ezekiel 36:23-28 ✚ Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19 ✚ Matthew 22:1-14
RSVP date, day circled on calendar. Image by iQoncept | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

freeter
August 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Amen. :)

Mike
August 20, 2026 at 12:54 PM

Amen

Salina (not in control)
August 20, 2026 at 11:08 AM

Today’s reading of the parable tells God’s plan and invitation starting with His chosen Jewish people and with their rejection extending the invitation to the Gentile in order to bring His people back to Himself!!! *** This Christian Faith is all inclusive with invitation goes to all nations and people resulting in exclusivity for those who choose to wear the wedding clothes provided when they accept the invitation to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for their Salvation! *** So now you see and know only the Christian faith can get the exclusive into the kingdom of God and NOT...
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Salina (not in control)
August 20, 2026 at 05:15 PM

Doesn’t that thought of “very lonely” in heaven an incentive to tell people about the Good News of Jesus Christ, Bill L? *** Matthew 22:14, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” *** Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter God’s kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that leads to ruin. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to life. Only a few people find it.” *** Luke 13:23-24, “Someone asked Him (Jesus), “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to...
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Bill L
August 20, 2026 at 04:28 PM

Well, it will be pretty lonely up in heaven if only good Christians get to go.

Cheryl
August 20, 2026 at 10:19 AM

Amen

CBR
August 20, 2026 at 09:10 AM

God be with us all Amen Amen Amen

Holly
August 20, 2026 at 08:57 AM

Amen!

ADV
August 20, 2026 at 08:31 AM

AMEN!

Gary
August 20, 2026 at 08:18 AM

"Draw us to accept your loving invitation throughout our lives." Thanks Justin for your words today. Amen

MJRice
August 20, 2026 at 07:45 AM

Amen! Thank you for reminding us that we have an open invitation to follow Christ, and an obligation to invite others also. I find it easy to get up on the seemingly harsh words, but he is God alone, and He has invited us to love and follow him. How precious is that?!

Lia
August 20, 2026 at 01:39 AM

Amen

RSVP date, day circled on calendar. Image by iQoncept | stock.adobe.com
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