The Wedding Feast

The kingdom of heaven, said Jesus, is like a marriage; for he is  the Bridegroom and his Church is the Bride. They share all in common: he takes her sins, and she takes his righteousness. And herein is the heart of love, which must involve sacrifice. He gives his all into death for his Bride. And this wedding has a feast, from the king. It is a lavish, gala event: all things are prepared. See, no guest need bring anything. And even if a guest should bring his own garment, he will be found out and cast out. So is the grace of God: all things are accomplished, and nothing is in our hands. Let us wear the baptismal gown of his righteousness, trust in him, and live in this baptismal faith all our days. Sermon for Michaelmas II.