GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Wedding Feast: Mt 22,1-14
This parable is a special insertion by Matthew into Mark's sequence of events. After this parable for the rest of the chapter, from verse 15, Matthew follows the same sequence of events as Mark.
This is the moment when we need to look closely at what Matthew is doing at the interface between the two chapters, the two stages of these confrontations. The question of continuity and discontinuity between the chapters has been mentioned several times. Now we must consider just what lies behind Matthew's alterations to Mark.
Gathering the evidence was part of the overview and this we can now survey. We are looking at 21,18-22,14 where Matthew has made two insertions into Mark, Mk 11,27-12,13, as well as some considerable editing. In Mark all this is forms part of one sequence, we are now looking at the significance of Matthew dividing this into two stages.
We begin with Matthew's first insertion into Mark, the parable of the two sons, 21,28-32. We read this as part of the first confrontation with the Jewish leaders, 21,18-32. Yet the parable also sets the scene for what follows.
The next episode is the parable of the vineyard which is also told in Mark, Mk 12,1-12. Matthew as we have seen has added 21,43 and provided a stronger ending, 21,45-46 (remember there is no 21,44).
Now Matthew begins the second stage, chapter 22, with his second and major insertion, the parable of the wedding feast, 22,1-14. Our next step is to take a general look at the parable in its context.
Note also how the three parables are linked, 21,28; 21,33; 22,1.
Luke has a similar banquet parable (Lk 14,15-24), but it is so different that it is not a parallel with the parable here. A comparison will be useful so as to highlight what is special to Matthew, especially 22,11-14.
Interesting though are the similarites between this parable and the preceeding parable of the vineyard. Take a look at the plot of the two stories, though the resolution is different. Note as well the big difference, see 13,24.
The interface between the two stages/chapters therefore is that the first ends with a story about a vineyard while the second opens with a similar story but this time about a wedding banquet. That will require further consideration but after we have read the parable itself.
A response from me will be useful at this point.
The Parable
The opening sentence in 22,1 includes as we have seen both continuity with the previous chapter as well as a new beginning.
As in chapter 13 so here too the parable begins with the kingdom of heaven.
This time the comparison is with a king and the wedding feast for his son. There is a rich background here, see Isaiah 25,6-10, Hosea 1-2, Apocalypse 19,7. See also 25,1.
The parable is basically an allegory without pushing details too far.
It is easy to spot who is the king and his son (22,2; see 21,37).
Note the two stages involved in verse 3. This is key.
Compare the rejection in verses 4 to 6 with the rejection in Luke, Lk 14,18-20.
Remembering that Matthew is writing late in the 1st century, what is implied by verse 7?
What is the significant word in verse 8? What is implied?
Who are the new guests in verse 9? Note their characteristics in verse 10.
The hall may now be full of guests, but Matthew continues the story by telling of the man without a wedding garment. Bearing in mind verse 10, why is the lack of the garment significant?
How does the king address the man in verse 12? See 20,13. What are the consequences?
How are we to understand verse 14? See 7,13-14 and 7,21.
Then have a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
This parable of the wedding feast is read on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The OT reading for this Sunday is Isaiah 25,6-10 with Ps 23 as the responsorial psalm. Consider the strength and the weakness of this choice.
The have an overall reflection bearing in mind my question about the role of the two parables, vineyard and wedding feast.
Have another look at my response.
We move on to the next stage of the confrontations when the Pharisees seek to entrap Jesus (22,15-22).