Gospel for October 11 2026 – Matthew 22:1–14
Gospel Reflections for October 11 2026
What to wear at Mass?
This Gospel is about what your behavior might say about you.
You are used to that since doctors always look at your behavior and any visible symptoms that reveal your inner health. That is what you would want them to do.
The Gospel describes a great wedding reception and a guest who is not dressed right. Are clothes really that important? (I don’t have much choice. It’s either this black shirt …or that black shirt!
Sometimes people ask me to comment on what people wear at Mass. I will defer to today’s Gospel …about what your clothes actually say.
In the Gospel, one guest is removed for not wearing an appropriate wedding garment. Would Jesus turn someone away just for their clothes? Do clothes have some other meaning? Of course, we know Jesus is more interested in your heart and mind than your 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 and clothes also send a message and so is a kind of talking as well. In fact, your behavior and clothes often speak louder than any words. Facial expressions also say a lot. Before you even speak, your face and clothes have already given you away!
Since your clothes are visible even from a distance, they also say something about your inner beliefs before you even meet people. 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 respect and love for Him.” One message is about yourself, and the other is about God.
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. More importantly, have you thought about how you dress, one way or the other? Have you thought about what message your clothes express?
That thoughtful attentiveness is what Our Lord seeks today…for either message.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
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