Matthew 22:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the profound love of the Lord here. He declares, "Call everyone whom you find to the wedding feast." Initially, as I mentioned, the apostles spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, focusing more on Judea. However, since the Jews continued their unfaithfulness toward the apostles, listen to Paul’s interpretation of this parable: "You should have been the first to preach the word of God, but since you reject it, behold, we turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46). Therefore, the Lord Himself states, "the marriage feast is ready, but those who were called were not worthy." Surely, He was aware of this beforehand, yet He approached the Jews first to ensure they had no pretext for their shameful excuses. He sent His apostles to silence them and to instruct us to fulfill our responsibilities, even if it should prove fruitless for others.

When the initial prophets, such as Moses, failed to persuade the Jewish people, God sent forth the apostles as additional messengers, reaching out to the Gentiles. These Gentiles had previously lived in error, lost in their diverse beliefs and ensnared in confusion, existing in a state of ignorance and skepticism. They were divided among themselves, misled at numerous junctions where they lacked a clear direction; these were the erroneous teachings espoused by the Gentiles. Some held one opinion as correct, while others favored a different view. It is crucial to grasp that the way signifies the path to life for all, and the deviations represent false teachings.

What significance does one individual hold? Why is there a need for astonishment? What makes it remarkable that a man, lacking the proper attire for the wedding banquet, moved among the servants of the host within the throng? Is it solely because of him that we can proclaim that both the righteous and the unrighteous are summoned? Pay attention and reflect, dear brothers, for this individual symbolizes the greater whole.

He refers to the towns and regions of the Gentiles as crucifixions, indicating their rejection, for the forsaken dwell within these crucifixions. Initially, the apostles proclaimed the message to the Jews while they were present among them. However, when they were expelled, the Apostle Paul declared, "You be leprous." He also explained that it was straightforward for them to receive the word of God initially, but due to their rejection and unworthiness of eternal life, they were now to be turned away (Acts 13:46). Following His resurrection, Christ quickly instructed them to go to the Gentiles, saying, "Go ye now, teach all tongues" (Matthew 28:19).

He who understands that His invitations are rejected will ensure that the wedding halls of the King, His Son, are not left vacant. He reaches out to others, for although the word of God may not be fruitful in some hearts, there will still be a haven of solace.

Can you recognize the arrangement and progression of events? Are you aware of the precision within the parable? Therefore, consider the question, 'When did this occur?' It happened when the Jews, whom the apostles invited into the kingdom of heaven, not only refused to listen to them but also mocked and put them to death. At that point, He had already commissioned them to go forth into all the earth, reaching out to all nations.

The union of the glorious and beautiful Son of the Sovereign is depicted in the Gospels, as stated in Matthew 22:1-14, where the Bridegroom, who embodies perfect goodness and stands out among all mankind as pure and faultless, speaks of this relationship. In His very essence and through His own work, He has also accomplished all that is required for the Sacrament of Marriage.

The Jewish people were initially summoned by their patriarch Abraham, followed by the holy Prophets, and ultimately by the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles inspired by God. However, they rendered themselves unworthy of the sacred union, which represents the eternal realm, due to their actions of slaying prophets, killing Christ, and leading themselves away from the message of the Gospel, all fueled by their deceit and obstinacy. Consequently, the Divine Apostles are dispatched to various nations: “Then spoke He to His servants.”

As the time for the celebration approached, the king desired his joy to be shared with his subjects. He addressed his servants, stating, "The wedding banquet is prepared, but those invited are unworthy." These prideful individuals, to whom I extended such honor by inviting them, do not merit my grace. This reflects the conversion of the Gentiles to Christ. The disciples reached out to the Jews initially, both prior to and following the crucifixion.

Yet he does not revoke the invitation to the wedding banquet but instead commissions his servants to go into the streets and invite all who are willing to join the celebration, for the feast is prepared. However, those who were initially summoned proved unworthy to partake. Likewise, he sends forth the Apostles across the globe to invite all who desire to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.