Few

August 19, 2021

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Many are invited, but few are chosen. (Matthew 2:14)

FEW: I think I understand this line from one of Jesus’ parables a little better when I tweak it just a bit – Many are invited, but few ACCEPT. When I hear the word “chosen”, the element of the recipient’s individual choice is eliminated. In other words, I have been invited to the party, but it is up to someone else as to whether I am allowed to attend.

That is not the case with our faith life. By virtue of our baptism, we have been invited to be disciples of Jesus Christ. There is no special skill set required; there is no pre-screening – if we are baptized, we get an invitation.

Now, WE make the decision to accept the invitation or reject it. The door to the party is open, it is our choice whether or not to enter. By accepting the invitation, we agree to abide by two “house rules”: Love God. Love others.

These rules are not as easy as they sound, as evidenced by the number of disciples he lost along the way. This Sunday, we will hear in Matthew’s gospel that many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.

Which brings us to the point of the parable. Many are invited, but because living a life of faith can be challenging, few accept. However, those that accept can walk with confidence as a chosen child of God.

You have been invited. Have you chosen to be among the few?