“Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” – Psalm 40
Beneath the visceral violence of today’s challenging readings, a fundamental question of discipleship emerges: How do we respond to God’s call and exemplify God’s will?
Jephtah, one of ancient Israel’s judges, attempts to substitute his own will for God’s will. His boastful vow is fundamentally transactional – “If God does this for me, then I will do this for God.” How often have I fallen into this “slot machine God” mode, promising great things if only God will “do this one thing” for me? Worse, Jephtah’s vow entails sacrificing another life. His daughter is neither named nor consulted, yet she will pay the ultimate price for Jephtah’s militaristic boast. Thankfully, her death is not forgotten by later daughters of Israel. Today’s lectionary stops before the critical line of Judges 11:40, which reminds us of the Bible’s age-old prohibitions against human sacrifice: “It became custom in Israel for Israelite women to go yearly to mourn the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite for four days of the year.”
Matthew’s judgment parable is addressed to Pharisees and other Jewish leaders who have rejected Jesus and his followers. Carrying forward Isaiah’s image of the great eschatological feast, Matthew envisions a rich wedding banquet to which all are invited, including Jesus’ opponents. And yet despite two requests, these invitees react with apathy, preoccupation, and violence, precipitating harsh punishment from the king. The call then goes out much further, including the Gentiles in Matthew’s audience. And yet even here Matthew is quick to remind his listeners that Christian salvation is not a membership club; one has to fulfill the call of baptism in faith and good works.
As the Psalmist reminds us today, this divine banquet does not necessitate sacrificial oblations or burnt offerings, but the conversion of heart. What in my heart needs to grow or change before I am ready to share in the wedding feast of the Lamb?
Jay Carney
I am an Associate Professor of Theology who came to Creighton in 2011. My research and teaching engage Church History and World Christianity, especially modern Africa.
I am married with four children. My wife Becky is a remarkable woman, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter. I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin and North Carolina among other places. Prior to coming to Creighton, I worked in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, playing soccer, and listening to music of all types.
After years as a reader of Magnificat and then Give Us This Day, I am now seeing the other side! These reflections entail a very different style of writing than academic journal articles, and I’ve also gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am “preaching” to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
