Crucial Questions: Is God Wrathful?
Today, our readings focus on joyous feasting with the Lord. In Isaiah, we hear the sumptuous details of the marvelous meal that God provides for all people. But it is more than just the food that grabs our attention. There are party favors, too! Death, disgrace, and all reasons for sadness and despair have been removed from our lives! We live in perpetual bliss without any of the frustrations we are so used to in this world. God extends his party invitation to all people, but the Gospel gives us a sobering observation. Many are invited. Few are chosen. This aphorism is confusing, but it is not a contradiction. Throughout life, we see God send out his invitation to so many. Yet, so many prefer to work on the things of this world, rather than enjoy the blessings of God. Strangely, some even respond to God’s grace with violence! But God continues to provide everything for the feast and invites the good and the bad to celebrate with him for eternity.
