Today is a day of Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. Many people are invited to sumptuous feasts with family and friends, and they happily look forward to the Thanksgiving meal. You can imagine the joy of the hosts when their invited guests appear at the door.

God also has prepared a feast today that by comparison makes a Thanksgiving turkey look like a "disgusting bird" (Rv 18:2). In fact, He has also prepared this feast tomorrow, this weekend, and for all eternity. This feast is the ultimate: "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rv 19:9). It is celebrated without pause in heaven, and it is celebrated on earth in the Mass.

As with a Thanksgiving meal, it is easy to imagine God eagerly anticipating the arrival of His guests, for "He  invited many" (Lk 14:16). Instead of being thrilled at being invited, the guests incredibly "began to excuse themselves, one and all" (Lk 14:18). Some simply "ignored the invitation and went their way" (Mt 22:5). Apparently, most of the guests were more bothered than thankful to be invited.

Let's happily and thankfully accept God's invitation and go to Mass today. As we enter the Church for the feast, let us "enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise" (Ps 100:4). "Happy are those who are called to His supper!"

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002