Homily for the Memorial of St. Bernard

Today’s Gospel reading is highly metaphorical. The wedding banquet Jesus speaks of in the parable is symbolic of the kingdom of heaven. Many people have been invited to God’s kingdom, but refused or ignored the invitation. So, God invites us all.

 

The host of the banquet is clearly upset that one of the guests doesn’t have a wedding garment. That garment is symbolic of the lives we lead. While we are invited to the banquet of heaven, we must adorn our souls with a garment made of faith, love, virtue, adherence to God’s law, service of those in need, a pure heart.

 

Let us pray that the lives we lead may truly adorn our souls in such a way that we may be as worthy as possible to be granted a place at the table in heaven.+