Today’s first reading is one of the most shocking in the Bible. Jephthah, chosen by God to rescue the Israelites from the attacks of the Amomonites makes a rash vow, the results of which had tragic consequences far beyond expectation.

Even though he was horrified at the thought that he must sacrifice his own daughter, an only child, he went through with what he believed God willed for him. Human sacrifice was not uncommon in the cultural milieu of that time. We should easily remember how Abraham wished him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac but all God was looking for was a demonstration of sincerity to serve God and to do in humility whatever he asked.

Perhaps the greatest marvel is that God did not require of Abraham or of Jephthah, he did require of himself. He gave up his own Son, his only begotten that we might become living members of his kingdom.

In the gospel we are told that we are members of the king’s wedding banquet--the liturgy--because those who were first invited refused to come. We are invited by default. That may not be the most flattering and heart warming thing we would want to hear but compared with the above; I think it is far less difficult.

Nevertheless this gracious invitation, even by default, is given to us with stipulations on our part, that we are to cooperate. Jesus uses the analogy of clothing that cooperation in proper attire. He isn’t talking about physical attire, although at times that needs to be addressed particularly in these summer days.

But lest like Jephthah we misunderstand, the attire of what Jesus speaks refers to attitudes, particularly an attitude of love without discrimination.

Many good people have conflicting visions of God, the Church theology and the world. For those who think this is something new read the scriptures. St. Pius X, founder of this diocese, also published an encyclical encouraging the reading of Sacred Scripture. He also laid the liturgical groundwork for much that came to fruition at the Second Vatican Council.

Among his priorities was the celebration of the Lord’s Day not only with liturgy but with physical rest; the accessibility of the Eucharist more often than once a year, and at a considerably earlier age for children.