I Cannot Come to the Banquet

I cannot come. I cannot come to the banquet, Don't trouble me now. I have married a wife. I have bought me a cow. I have fields and commitments, That cost a pretty sum. Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come. A certain man held a feast on his fine estate in town. He laid a festive table and he wore a wedding gown. He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide. But when the meal was ready, each of them replied: The master rose up in anger, called his servants by name, said: "Go into the town, fetch the blind and the lame, Fetch the peasant and the pauper for this I have willed. My banquet must be crowded, and my table must be filled. When all the poor had assembled, there was still room to spare. So the master demanded: "Go search ev'ry where, To the highways and the byways and force them to come in. My table must be filled before the banquet can begin. Now God has written a message for the rest of mankind. If we're slow in responding, He may leave us behind. He's preparing a banquet for that great and glorious day. When the Lord and Master calls us, be certain not to say: Luke 14:15-24