“My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?” — Matthew 22:12

Each celebration of the Eucharist is an opportunity to draw closer to Christ and receive the gifts He desires to give us. Yet accepting His invitation means more than simply showing up. We are called to prepare our hearts to receive Him and allow His grace to transform the way we live.

Like a garment that needs to be washed and cared for, our hearts need continual renewal through the sacraments, prayer, acts of charity, and love for others. Sometimes we may become comfortable in our faith, present in body but distracted in heart. Christ patiently invites us to begin again, to let go of what keeps us from Him, and to be clothed in His grace. Perhaps the question for us this week is not simply, “Have I accepted the Lord’s invitation?” but “Am I preparing my heart to receive all that He desires to give me?”