Today's gospel speaks of a symbolic marriage feast that mirrors the profound relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. We, the members of the Church, are fortunate recipients of multiple invitations to this extravagant banquet, all freely offered by the Lord. In this sacred gathering, we are beckoned to partake in the abundant treasures that thrive within the union of the Church and Christ – treasures such as love, joy, a sense of belonging, authenticity, unity, and a boundless freedom to embrace these blessings. Yet, at times, we hesitate to respond to God's gracious invitations. We may feel tempted to lead our lives within the Church on our own terms, seemingly indifferent to the Church's desires and purpose. This misguided notion sometimes leads us to a self-righteous belief in our self-sufficiency, where we wrongly assume we can navigate life without the Church's guidance. In doing so, we echo the sentiments of those who chose their personal pursuits over participating in the union, much like individuals who chose farming and business endeavours over the feast. Some even resort to discrediting, threatening, or discouraging fellow Church members who strive to emphasize the significance of being part of this beautiful union. Such behaviour ultimately erodes our faith, diminishes our identity, and gradually distances us from the Church.