On an almost daily basis, the parish office receives telephone, email, or mailed solicitations from organizations selling pastoral ministry programming services to parishes.  Each of these organizations is convinced that their program or service is the single thing missing from parish ministry today and single thing that will transform the ministry of Catholic parishes.  When I read or listen to the sales pitch for parish ministry renewal programs, I am reminded of a famous quote by Margaret Mead who said, “Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everyone else.”  Those many programs and services are uncannily similar to one another. 

The various ideas, attempts, and programs to improve parish ministry are well-intentioned, I’m sure.  I am reluctant, however, to believe those who promote ministry improvement schemes.  My reluctance derives from passages of Scripture like today’s first reading.  The prophet Isaiah said, “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!  This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” (Isa 25:9) 

According to the Scriptures, the Creeds, and Church teaching, salvation is God’s work, accomplished by God’s power.  God’s People are required to participate in God’s work of redemption, of course, but this participation is accomplished by following God’s will rather than inventing new programs and projects.  The parable in today’s Gospel reading indicates the nature of the participation expected of all the baptized. 

In the parable, those invited to the banquet refused the invitation.  Apparently, the invited guests had inquired about the identities of other invitees and decided not to share their company.  Not deterred by the self-righteousness of the invited guests, the king decided to fill his banquet hall with whomever would accept the invitation.  Everything worked according to plan, with one exception.  One man who accepted the king’s invitation refused the king’s wardrobe choices; he was treated like those who refused to attend. 

This allegorical parable is easy to understand.  During Jesus’ ministry, the religious leadership refused to accept his call to repentance and reform; these were represented by the original invitees in the parable.  The poor and outcast accepted Jesus’ preaching; these were represented by the people gathered from the main roads and town streets.  Sadly, not all who accepted the message of Jesus’ preaching persevered in the commitment to trust only in God; the hapless fellow without a wedding garment represented those with insufficient resolve. 

Like the banquet in the parable, all people are invited to enter into God’s kingdom. The banquet is prepared. The banquet hall is ready to accept guests. The guests are required only to enter with the intent of participating in the new life offered by God. Participation in the new life of faith must be sincere and wholehearted. In plain language, anyone who is willing to put their complete trust in God is invited to Baptism, and all the baptized are required to remain faithful to their baptismal vows. Nothing else is required for one to be assured of salvation. 

The various renewal programs, ministry projects, devotional practices, church-based organizations, etc., can be helpful in the lifelong project of living the new life of Baptism, but none is an adequate substitute for faith in the Trinity. More to the point, no ancillary activity can make up for a lack of resolve to live according to one’s baptismal commitment. 

Some gaze upon the Lord’s mountain with admiration; others gaze with misunderstanding or fear. Only those who venture up the mountain, and remain, are able to participate in the Banquet of the Lord. 

So, what of those whose single religious activity is to promote quick-fix programs for individuals and parish communities?  Is it the Church that concerns them or is it themselves?  My guess is the latter. 

Baptism makes union with Jesus and his apostles possible for us; if we persevere in our baptismal commitment, nothing more is necessary for salvation.