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Today's readings give us two
very distinct visions of the Messianic banquet. The prophet Isaiah goes
into detail about the choice fare to be served at the banquet which God
hosts in eternity.
Jesus uses the same image to convey the importance of being ready to
come to the celebration. The image of the Messianic banquet is a type or
forerunner of the eucharistic banquet we celebrate each Sunday. In turn
the eucharist is a foretaste of the real Messianic banquet in heaven.
The great celebration with God is always centered on a meal.
In our own lives meals are very important. When we come together around
the table, we nourish our bodies and celebrate who we are as human
beings. A couple in love will dine out at a favorite restaurant. When
someone is honored we host a meal for them. Our children develop
their fundamental appreciation of eucharist from the table fellowship
they experience in their homes. Unfortunately the pace of our lives is
so fast today that we do not allow sufficient time for even the simple
celebration of meals. Table fellowship takes time, it cannot be
experienced around the television. Table fellowship presumes the entire
family is gathered together to share food, to share their stories, to
share their very lives.
In today's gospel many of the invited guests had persuasive arguments
for not attending the banquet. Like people of our own day, these were
busy men and women. The tragedy is that the day-to-day won out
over God's invitation.
Our confirmation candidates will gather for a day of prayer on Monday,
October 10th. Please pray that the Holy Spirit may come upon them, and
through them, upon our parish with his great power.
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