If we say that something is important to us, to what extent are we going to show that importance?
Or putting it simply, what price would we pay for something that we deem as important?
In the 1st reading, Jephthah made a vow to the Lord.
If the Lord delivered the enemies into his hands, then Jephthah would offer the Lord as a sacrifice the first person to meet him from the door of his house when he returns in triumph.
Unfortunately, that first person was his only daughter. Jephthah was distressed but he kept the vow he made to the Lord.
For him, what was important was his vow and it was made to the Lord.
He had to keep to his word, because the Lord fulfilled his request for victory over his enemies.
Jephthah showed us how important it was to be faithful to the Lord, although it was a heavy price he had to pay.
Nonetheless, his consolation was that his daughter agreed to be the price of his vow to the Lord. Still it was a very painful heartbreak.
On the other hand, the attitude of those who were invited by the king to the banquet not only showed that they were not interested, they even killed the king's servants.
As for us, if God is truly important in our lives, then let us offer Him our obedience and faithfulness.
God is faithful in keeping His promises to us. Let us be faithful in serving Him by loving others.