Gospel for October 11 2020 – Matthew 22:1-14
Gospel Reflections for October 11 2020
What to wear at Mass?
This Gospel is about what your behavior might say about you.
We are used to that now in this Covid-19 time. Doctors look at your behaviors and visible symptoms that reveal your inner health. That is what you would want. Everyone is looking intently at the president’s behavior now for visible signs of his inner health as well.
The parable today describes a great wedding reception and a guest who is not dressed right. Are clothes really that important?
(I don’t have much choice in what I wear. It’s either this black shirt …or that black shirt! It may be boring but at least it’s easy.)
Sometimes people ask me to comment on what people wear at Mass. I will defer to today’s Gospel …about what clothes actually say.
In the Gospel, one guest is removed for not wearing an appropriate “wedding garment.” Would Jesus turn someone away just for clothes? Do clothes have some other meaning? Of course, we know Jesus is more interested in our heart and mind than our clothes, so maybe He is talking about something deeper.
Whenever you speak, you normally use just words, however, there are other ways to communicate besides talking. Your behavior also sends a message and so is a kind of “talking” as well. In fact, your behavior often speaks louder than any words. Facial expressions also say a lot. Before you even speak, your face has already given you away!
Since your clothes are visible even from a distance, they also speak something about your inner beliefs as well. What do they say? Special clothes send one message while informal clothes send another. They each speak your message to other people. …What is the message you want to say?
I often hear two ideas. Some say comfortable clothes affirm that “God loves me just as I am,” while others say, “I dress up for God to show my love for Him.”
Both are reasonable, sincere, and authentic messages from good people who would never mean any disrespect at Church. The main thing to ask yourself is …do your clothes truly speak your message. Have you thought about how you dress, one way or the other? Have you thought about what your clothes express?
That thoughtful attentiveness is what Our Lord seeks today…for either message.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Since I like to protect the underdog, they were told to go out ad find people to come in. Maybe that was the best he had. Should the an have said I have nothing to wear and not come.. Interesting….. However I do believe that in church we should try to look our best. I remember when growing up how you had your clothes set aside for Sunday and you wore your best that you had as you were going into Gods house. It was a sign of respect, .
Just thought of a person who has come to the healing mass and was dressed ragged, she has problem. I saw someone look at her with disgust and that was not cool. Then on the WEB there was a church service and it started and a man who was looking like a hobo and people didn’t want him sitting next to them. It was quite obvious. The man walked up to the pulpit and changed in front of them and he was the new pastor. Guess what their sermon was about.
I know I am a black and white person but there are times I get carried away in the other direction with mercy but don’t tell anyone it is a secret.
Yes, I agree that we should not judge another’s clothing, but should be clear about why we wear what we do.
Dear Father Dave,
This is a great topic for discussion!
God sees us 24/7 in all kinds of ways and places. Our connection to Him is supernatural regardless of our clothing.
However, when I’m engaged in certain activities, I do dress accordingly. When it’s gardening, window washing, or general housework, my oldest “work” clothes are worn. When there is an occasion of some sort, I wear more suitable outfits, appropriate for the event.
Mass has always been special and it’s fitting to dress accordingly just as the priest, servers, lay ministers, choir members and ushers do.
There are so many layers to this discussion that a lengthy essay on the subject might not be enough.
I suppose the bottom line is that we must try and dress our souls according to God’s will. Dress them In dignity and in love for God and each other.
God bless you….
Sincerely,
Kathleen A.
Well said. I like how you take the time to consider how you will dress for each occasion.
I think this article is very good because we all pay attention when we go somewhere special and our time at church is very special. I also think how parents dress for church shows their children this is a time for respect and dress accordingly. Maybe I am old-fashioned but I think going to Mass is a very special time when we honor Our Lord.
Well said. I am glad that you take the time to consider how you will dress for mass.
Your explanation of the Mass on YouTube was perfect, Fr. Dave.
We need more instructions like that!
As for our attire at Mass… It seems to me that if our respect for the Lord and the
clothes that we wear are in sync, we are in a better place to worship Him.
I am glad you liked the video. I am very glad that I made it at this time especially.