2026/10/11 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Jessica Tello Kleinschmidt, Asst Mgr of Events & Ministry Engagement
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about a king who invited people to a wedding celebration. The invitation was there, the table was prepared, and everything was ready. But some people were too busy. They had work, responsibilities, and other things that they felt were more important.
When I read this Gospel, I think about how busy our lives can become. Sometimes we are so busy with work, our phones, social media, and everything happening around us that we forget to stop and be present. We can be invited to a wedding, a family gathering, or simply dinner with the people we love, but even when we are there, our minds can be somewhere else.
I remember growing up that when it was time for dinner in our home, we were expected to be present. It was a time to sit together, talk, laugh, and enjoy the gift of being a family. Looking back, I realize how important those simple moments were.
I also think about the invitations God gives us. Sometimes God is inviting us to something beautiful, but we don't recognize it because we are too busy or because it doesn't look the way we expected. There was a time when I did not realize that God was inviting me to serve in His house. Through a little push and an open door, I eventually found my way to Saint Clement. Looking back, I can see that God was inviting me to use the gifts He had given me to help others. I just needed to slow down and listen.
I think God also invites us to notice the people around us. Sometimes someone may need a helping hand, a meal, a conversation, or simply someone to make them feel welcome. We should not judge someone because of what they have, how they look, their education, their situation, or where they are in life. We don't always know what someone is carrying.
My parents taught us that when God puts it on your heart to help someone, listen to Him. If you can help, help. And do it with love, not because you want recognition or because you think you are better than someone else.
As we get closer to the holidays, I think about how many opportunities we will have to invite someone to our table, help an organization, visit someone who may be alone, or simply give our time to someone who needs it.
Life is short. We don't know how many opportunities we will have to sit around the table with the people we love or to help someone who crosses our path.
So maybe the question for all of us is: Are we listening when God invites us?
Maybe His invitation is right in front of us. We just need to slow down, put away the distractions, look around, and say yes.
If God is pulling at your heart to help someone, listen to Him. And if you can help, do it with love.