On Sunday, August 25, 2024, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun at St. Mark’s Cathedral, in Paramus, New Jersey.
In his sermon he reflected on the Parable of the Great Supper from Luke 14:15-24, where he reminded the faithfulof the heart of God’s invitation and the challenges we face in responding with faith and commitment.
His Eminence spoke of the dangers of making excuses, highlighting how those first invited to the great supper began to decline due to distractions and priorities. He encouraged us to examine our own lives, asking, “Are we making excuses when God calls us?” Do we allow the busyness of our daily lives, work, and relationships to prevent us from fully embracing God’s invitation?
The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder: The feast is prepared, and the call to come and dine has been extended to each of us. He mentioned, let us not be like those who made excuses and miss the blessing. Instead, let us respond with open hearts, eager to accept the grace and love that God offers.
As we take this invitation, may we also bring others with us, filling the house of the Lord with those who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Let us live in such a way that when the final invitation comes, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).
