Preparation for Sunday Service
For Sunday the 11th of October, 2026 (Proper 23)
As we gather for worship this morning the parable in the Gospel teaches that we have the ability to make an astonishing and fearsome choice. We can reject God’s gracious invitation! God prepares a wonderful banquet, “a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine” (Isaiah 25:6), but He forces no one to come. He simply says, “The feast is ready. Come to the feast, The good and the bad. Come and be glad! Greatest and least, Come to the feast!” (LW 346). Those who decline the invitation, bring upon themselves a fearful judgment. Those who trust Him, however, will be welcomed with open arms and will feast forever on God’s grace and blessing. They will say, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). Knowing what He has prepared for us, we may experience both Paul’s contentment and his disposition to rejoice always.
