Secondly, comes our response to this call by "inclining our ears to His words" (Introit), which are "to be kept most diligently" (Communion). The banquet hall is the Church militant here, triumphant hereafter. Of those first invited, such as the Jews, some refuse the invitation on mere pretexts, while others maltreat and even slay God's messengers. Finally, comes the call to the Gentiles in home and foreign missions. But to receive Jesus worthily at the altar rail of time or eternity, a wedding garment is necessary (Gospel). St. Paul describes this garment in the Epistle as a putting on of Christ through lively faith and putting off the spirit of anti-Christ both in our soul and in dealings with our neighbour.
Today, commemoration of the Maternity of the BVM is made, honouring the title of Mother of God given by the Council of Ephesus.