I was the new kid in town, with three kids of my own and no clue how to do this at-home-mom thing after working full-time for so long. Unlike third grade, when a smiling girl at my new school approached and said, “wanna be friends?” making adult friends in a new place felt more awkward than dating. So when the nice mom chatting me up at story time casually invited me to a play date with others, I dove headlong at the chance.
But it didn’t take long for my eyes to be opened to the “reality” of this new group of friends.
Their homes, cars, and designer clothes were clearly newer and nicer than mine. When a brand name I didn’t know came up in conversation, I casually asked, “What’s that?” then promptly melted in shame as two women shot each other glances, aghast at my ignorance. I was suddenly, painfully aware that—after spending most of my adult life in uniform and focusing every free second on the kids—I was both socially awkward and unrefined.
Of course, that perception was my own doing. I’d passed by every truth I knew about my dignity and worth, rejecting them for the lie that worldly status and self-image matter more.
Today’s Gospel parable sounds exceedingly harsh, until you learn that the King actually provided the proper attire for the guests before they even walked through the door. (Matthew 22:13) The man wasn’t thrown out because he was poor, but because he outright rejected the beauty and dignity of the king’s gracious gift—simply to continue on in his poverty of self-centeredness and sin.
Friends, it’s not about what, or “who,” we wear, but the dignity He’s already clothed us in.
It’s not about where we live, but Whose courts we’ve been invited into.
It’s not the accomplishments we boast, but the good we allow Him to work through us.
It’s not about attaining more "likes," but rather the priceless souls He might reach through us when we say "yes."
It’s not tallying our mistakes and failures, but the state of grace we seek through reconciliation with Him and amending our ways.
Yes, life is so much more than self-image. It’s about accepting—and reflecting—the beauty of Our Lord’s heart, generously imprinted in our soul, and draped across every inch of our being as the garment of His Love.
Where have you rejected the garment of His Love and grace in your life? Run to the Sacrament of Penance and let Him wrap you once more in the richness of His Love.
Megan Hjelmstad is a wife and mom 24/7 and an Army Reservist in her “spare” time. She’s a bibliophile, tea drinker, sleep lover, and avid admirer of Colorado’s great outdoors. When the writing bug hits, you can find out more about her here.
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