Pastor Joseph Vandeberg of Sacred Saints by the Lake Community in Glenwood recently shared with his congregations the Biblical story of the king who hosted a wedding feast but the invitees did not show up.

In the parable, when none of the guests arrive, the king instead sends his servants into the streets to bring in anyone they can find to take part in the feast, Vandeberg said in the parishes' Oct. 11 bulletin. Among them were the poor and the displaced, yet when a man who came to the feast did not wear his best robes, the king threw him out of the feast.

“This parable teaches us two points about the kingdom of God," Fr. Vandeberg said. "First, all are invited but few will respond. When we are invited to a social event we should honor the request by showing up. God has invited us to be part of his kingdom. We should respond graciously.

"The COVID virus and political unrest are unsettling. The kingdom of God is a promise the Father’s hand is upon us, guiding and protecting us. He invites us to be part of his kingdom both now and in the future. In God we find peace and security."