LUKE 14:15–24
THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT BANQUET
Text – Luke 14:15–24
15 One of his fellow guests on hearing this said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.”
16 He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many.”
17 “When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’”
18 “But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’”
19 “And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’”
20 “And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’”
21 “The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’”
22 “The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’”
23 “The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.’”
24 “For, I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’”
Historical and Jewish Context
Banquets were a major symbol of fellowship, honor, and joy in the ancient world. Two invitations were customary: one announcing the feast ahead of time and the second saying that everything was ready. For guests to refuse after the second invitation was a serious insult. The excuses offered—a field, oxen, and marriage—represent legitimate concerns, yet in this setting they reveal misplaced priorities. Jesus’ reference to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame reflects Isaiah’s imagery of God restoring His people and welcoming those marginalized. The highways and hedgerows symbolize outsiders—Gentiles and those far from the covenant community.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The great banquet represents the Kingdom of God and the Eucharistic feast. Those first invited symbolize people who received God’s covenant but failed to respond with obedience and love. The excuses illustrate attachments that distract the heart from God. Catholic theology teaches that God continually invites humanity to communion with Him, yet He respects human freedom. Those who accept His invitation often come from unexpected places—those poor in spirit, humble, or previously excluded. The master’s desire for a full house reflects God’s universal salvific will: He wants all to be saved. The warning that some invited will not taste the banquet highlights the consequences of refusing God’s grace.
Parallels in Scripture
Is 25:6 – God prepares a great feast for all peoples.
Is 55:1–3 – Invitation to the Lord’s banquet of life.
Mt 22:1–14 – The parable of the wedding feast.
Rev 19:9 – Blessed are those called to the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Jn 6:35 – Jesus as the Bread of Life, the true banquet.
Key Terms
Great dinner – Symbol of God’s Kingdom and the Eucharist.
Excuses – Attachments or distractions preventing a response to God.
The poor and the lame – Those receptive to God’s grace.
Highways and hedgerows – The universal call to salvation.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed in weekday Masses and teaches the faithful about the nature of God’s invitation to salvation and the Eucharist. It powerfully supports the Church’s mission of evangelization, reminding believers to welcome the poor, the marginalized, and those far from faith. The rejection of the banquet also invites examination of conscience regarding priorities and responsiveness to grace.
Conclusion
The parable reveals God’s generous invitation to share in His Kingdom. Many refuse because lesser concerns dominate their hearts. Yet God continues to call, seeking out the humble and the forgotten, desiring that His house be filled. Acceptance or refusal of this invitation has eternal significance.
Reflection
What excuses keep me from responding to God’s invitation? Am I attentive to the call to deeper communion with Him? Do I welcome others as God has welcomed me? Jesus invites me to say “yes” today to the banquet of grace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me to Your banquet of life and love. Free me from excuses and distractions that keep me from You. Give me a heart eager to respond and generous in welcoming others into Your Kingdom. Amen.