Homily - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sunday 15 October 2023

Homily

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday 15 October 2023

Last week, a small crew gathered to make a short film. The amount of effort that went in to ensure there was enough food during the breaks, lunchtimes and evening meals was immense. Everything had to be perfect, to the point where none of the crew would have noticed, other than they got to enjoy the meals and drink. All the behind-the-scenes had to be managed so everyone could be in the right place at the right time, even when the schedule changed due to unexpected weather, or a cast member having to arrive or leave at a different time.

The amount of preparation for a simple four-day shoot, took several months prior to principal photography. There were also a few sleepless nights, as the first day of filming drew near. Little upsets, that could have turn the whole project on its head. No matter how much effort you put in, there comes a point when you must hand it all over to God, to put your trust in him that everything will fall into place.

With all the preparation, some may say too much, you do have everything covered, simply because you have used all the tools available to you to counteract any contingency that may arise.

Our film had extensive wardrobe changes, and we shot the film out of order, so we had to ensure continuity was maintained.

Now, think of what could have happened if no one turned up? What a disaster that would have been. All the food would have gone to waste, hiring of camera, lights, sound equipment and all the accessories still had to be paid for. All the preparation would have been for nothing. How frustrating would that have been?

On the part of everyone, there is a massive commitment needed to ensure all the parts mesh together and function. Only then can the end results be produced. In the case of a film, everything must be shot in a way that the editor, who is not necessarily on set, can locate and turn into a finished film. Four days filming usually ends up being sixteen days of editing.

Imagine the banquet the Lord of Hosts has prepared, as Isaiah tells us to, for every human being on the planet. All the rich foods and fine wines. God will wipe away Death, along with the tears of those who are in pain or bereaved. Our shame will be taken away. God will bring about our salvation, and we will be lifted and be joyful.

Paul reminds us that he experienced good times and bad. With God’s help, he knew he could cope with anything. Through Christ Jesus, all his needs were provided, and so will ours if we put our trust in him.

Jesus tells us in Matthew, the kingdom of heaven is like a king putting on a feast for his son’s wedding. Everyone is welcome, the only rule is that we come appropriately dressed, to honor the father and the groom. What the king faced were guests who ignored the invitation. Who beat up the messengers, killing some of them, to carry on in their selfish ways. In the king’s fury, he sent troops to kill the murderers and destroy their towns.

This opened the way for others who were more willing to accept the king’s invitation and commit to attend. Even then, one guest did not dress properly and had no excuse for his carelessness. That person was bound hand and foot, then thrown into the darkness, into a harsh place of crying and stress.

On a film production, many are invited to be part, both cast and crew. If the wrong actor is chosen, the film could be a disaster. Likewise, if the crew have the wrong attitude, they can bring down the production. I remember one production where the wardrobe designer told everyone that the film wasn’t a proper film. Such comments unsettled the rest of the crew, making them think the production they were on, could affect their credibility for getting work on future productions. There is a saying, “You are only as good as your last project”. Due to the disharmony that was spreading, the wardrobe designer had to be replaced to help boost morale.

On our film set, virtually everyone had their own worries, stuff that at times would have had them in tears or suffering from great anxieties. Yet, for a few days, they each had time to be in the present, to be in the now, putting behind them their concerns of the past and their worries for the future. They became focused on the task at hand. Then, during the breaks and lunch periods you could find them laughing and joking about the experiences they had just shared together. They were no longer lonely, lost in their own world of problems, but were getting a chance to share with others a common goal. All knew they were not in control; they had reached a point where no matter how much preparation made, it was all in God’s hands. All that was needed was to have faith. They were the chosen few. Many had been invited but this group had come to the call. They had accepted the terms laid out and were happy to be led.

All God asks of us is that we can accept him, and he will direct us to a rich banquet in the kingdom of heaven.

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