On these last three Sundays, in the words of the parables – the two sons, the vinedressers, and today, the universal banquet – Jesus summarizes the rejection of the Jewish authorities and sketches a disturbing “balance sheet” of the history of the chosen people. However while, on the one hand, there has been undeniable harshness on the part of Israel, on the other, we see how God demonstrates faithfulness all along the line. The dialogue between divine faithfulness and human infidelity runs through all the pages of Scripture and is found also in the historical journey of the Church. We now offer some for some tests to be used both personally and as a community.  These questions highlight four infidelities that can lead to a real denial of the gospel message.
(1) When truth prevails over charity. In the various twists and turns of history, the Church, out of sense of “rightness” and duty, has always felt the need to safeguard the orthodoxy of the faith. However, we must remember that doctrine must illuminate life, not destroy it; that the law has charity as its objective, otherwise it kills; that the purpose of the rule is to guide the person, otherwise a crisis will arise which can be fatal.
(2) The temptation of power. Jesus always rejected the logic of power, putting the disciples on guard against any ambition of rank. Instead, he inaugurated service as a new way of being lord and master. This is the path the disciples must take at all times, to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel.
(3) Trying to have a good image. The Christian community is often disturbed by strong contradictory forces.  Among these, for example, great vitality without a proper internal checks and balances. “Doing” sometimes hides emptiness, and appearances hide a proper belonging to Christ.
(4) Attachment to wealth. If a Christian community rests its security only on wealth it has already betrayed its Lord. This community, according to Revelation 3.14-22, is vomited out of the mouth, such is the disgust and nausea it causes.

An abyss
is the heart of man
an abyss marked by an incurable wound.
Come down, Lord,
come down into the dark recesses of this earth
that yearns to become Heaven.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb Abbazia di Santa Maria – Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,Prinknash Abbey