Second Sunday after Trinity

The Gospel for the Second Sunday after Trinity tells of three men who were invited to a great supper but could not go because they had something more important to do – at least that’s what they thought. One had acquired a piece of land, another had bought five yokes of oxen, the third was on his honeymoon.

At first glance, one could say that these were valid excuses, all of which were more important than participating in a supper. The first two men are very similar to many today, at least in the Western world: everyone is in a hurry, business needs to be done, money needs to be made, time flies, there really isn’t time to live...

At least the third man understands how to live, doesn’t he? He has a young wife to be happy with and to enjoy their honeymoon – why should he care about someone’s invitation when he’s already having a good time?

The first mistake these three men make is that they think only of themselves. They have been blessed, they have received something good, and instead of sharing their joy with others, they want to keep it to themselves. Instead of saying “no” to the inviter, they could have said, “Of course I will come to the supper, for I have so much to tell you about all the good things I have been able to experience lately!”

Unshared joy soon turns to envy and then to bitterness. So, unfortunately, it must be said that these three men did not really know how to properly enjoy what was given to them. They did not realize that by sharing joy does not decrease it, but increases, even multiplies. If you try to keep it only for yourself, you will end up losing everything. “For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

God blesses us every day with His abundant gifts. Let us accept them with gratitude and share our joy with others. Let us also be open to our neighbors – both their joys and their worries.