Delight in God's Feast—Bible Study 10/11/20—Fr. Tom Frink, SJ

 Mt 22:1-14; Isaiah 25:6-10; Ps 34:1-14

REFLECTION: Today we hear that "the good and the bad" were invited to the wedding feast, and that they were enjoying themselves there. The "feast" is something God wants us all to experience; it represents God's felt presence in our lives. Yes, we are sinful ("the bad"), but God still helps us to recognize and even "taste" his presence (Ps 34). We do need a "wedding garment," though. That would be our faith that Jesus’ Death and Resurrection has made us right with God.

St. Bernard, Commentary on the Song of Songs:  Taste the superabundant and indescribable sweetness of Jesus, who came down to you in your prison to liberate you from darkness. Out of his supreme love for you, he surrendered himself for your salvation. “Jesus, the knowledge of your love for us is a fragrant perfume. Your life too is a perfume whose fragrance has gone out into every land. The scent of your fragrance, Lord, excites us to run toward you and leads us to feel the inward grace that you give to those who love you. The joyous throng that receives your rewards all shout, ‘As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts.’"

CONTEMPLATION:

· Pray several times, slowly and thoughtfully, "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

· Spend a few minutes feeling peaceful and happy at the thought of how good God is to you.

EACH MORNING: Take a minute or two to relive the peace and happiness you felt in your CONTEMPLATION.

EACH EVENING: Did you lose your peace at any time during the day today? If so, imagine yourself back in that moment and, remaining there, repeat your contemplation. If you remained peaceful throughout the day, let yourself feel a moment of wordless gratitude to God for that grace.