Homily by Fr. Peter Salmas on this the Eleventh Sunday of Luke

Father Peter asks “Doesn’t everyone love a banquet? Doesn’t everyone love a party?” Yes, but as in the Gospel, many find excuses not to go to the banquet. This is an allegory. The “man” holding the banquet is God and the Banquet is the Liturgy and Eucharist in our Orthodox Churches. God calls us to His Banquet, but many of us find excuses and choose not to join God on Sundays and Holy Days. The question is “Since we choose not to join God in His Church, will He welcome us at the ultimate Banquet in Heaven?”