Even after more than twenty...
Illustration
Object:
Even after more than twenty years "One of Our Fifty Is Missing" remains a popular
department in the New Mexico Magazine. Many Americans outside of New
Mexico don't know (or, to be kind don't remember) that it's a state in the US.
Consequently, people living in or traveling to New Mexico submit piles of humorous
stories of the resulting misunderstandings. Even though it's been a state since 1912, for
many "geographically challenged" Americans, New Mexico is "not there."
Jesus tells a parable about people who "aren't there" who should be. Although the party has long been advertised, must be common knowledge, and personal invitations are hand delivered, the "invited" don't show up. Jesus is talking about something more important than a wedding party and larger than a nation. It would be humorous if it wasn't so sad -- all those people who are still missing from "the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus tells a parable about people who "aren't there" who should be. Although the party has long been advertised, must be common knowledge, and personal invitations are hand delivered, the "invited" don't show up. Jesus is talking about something more important than a wedding party and larger than a nation. It would be humorous if it wasn't so sad -- all those people who are still missing from "the kingdom of heaven."
