When you receive a formal invitation to an event, usually there's the classic RSVP. That's French for "respond, if you please." This common-sense etiquette is not something new; indeed, it is ingrained in many cultures but the way it is expressed may be different. In the time of Jesus, invitations to wedding feasts were common. However, it was Jewish custom not to say "yes" immediately, but to allow the host the honour of "compelling" the guest to accept the invitation. Having given the host this honour, the guest accepts and waits for the second invitation, which usually comes by word of mouth when the banquet is ready.

The second and final invitation has been sent in today's parable, but the guests now go back on their word and give various reasons for their withdrawal from the feast. This is an insult to the host who reacts by inviting the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame off the streets. Unlike the original guests, these people immediately accepted the invitation because they were in need and a wedding feast was nothing short of a Godsend miracle to them.

As believers, we have received God's invitation since our baptism. If we have given our RSVP, let us then commit to show up when the Holy Spirit calls us to mission and not be unwittingly locked out from the feast of eternal life that is promised us.