The invitation given by the certain man who gave a great feast in Luke 14:16-24Â is itself the heart of the Gospel itself: “Come, for everything is now ready.” This is a wonderful and gracious gift of our Lord, freely offered for the forgiveness of sins. Knowing this, the excuses given by many to either temporarily forget or to despise the blessings of God, are both ironic and ridiculous. Thanks be to God we, who are poor, lame, blind, and crippled, have heard this call and receive the Gospel to the nourishment of our souls.
(Divine Service 2011-07-03 Audio only)