The apostle and evangelist Luke in his gospel cites several parables in which Jesus Christ graphically explained the essence of the Christian teaching on morality and the pursuit of God. One of those is the parable of those called for the supper.
In the Gospel of Luke, you can read the following story. A certain gentleman decided to make a big feast in his house, at which he decided to invite many invited guests. For this, the master sent his slaves to invite potential participants in the feast. However, many people invited to the party (feast) refused to attend to a variety of various reasons. Some were engaged in economic activities, while others had any family problems. When the servants returned to their master, they reported that no one had accepted the invitation to the evening meal. Then the steward ordered the servants to walk the streets and gather all who fall in the way beyond any rank and dignity. As a result, it was these people who filled the entire house of the master.
Christianity explains this parable as follows. Under the feast, arranged by the master, of course the kingdom of heaven, as well as the opportunity to touch the various church sacraments, which are the feast of faith. Many, it would seem, religious people should have the primacy of honor in this society. That is, the discussion in the Gospel was about Jewish law teachers - scribes, legalists and Pharisees. It was these people who were those who knew about faith in a true God, and also strove to teach other people in this. However, when the Savior came to earth, they rejected him. That is, they did not take part in the blessed sanctification, remained indifferent to the activities of the Church. The Pharisees did not accept Christ himself, rejecting divine revelation. That is why those who did not possess knowledge of God entered the Church, as a community of people. They were ordinary people, looking for the opportunity of contact with God. And this opportunity was granted to them.
It is worth noting that the great apostles themselves, for the most part, were ordinary people - fishermen. However, enlightened by grace, they have become great preachers of the gospel.
Also, this parable can be considered in the application at the present time. God calls and calls everyone to himself. However, most people simply do not have enough time for it. Many find excuses in employment, family problems and other difficulties in order not to take part in the feast of faith, not to be members of the Church of Christ. This may manifest free will and unwillingness of a person to strive for his Creator. However, a holy place is never empty. Therefore, all the same, there are those who are looking for the opportunity to participate in the beneficial church activity. These people include all believers who are not only Christians by letter, but also in essence. It is precisely this interpretation of the gospel parable of those called for the supper that the Orthodox Church offers.
