01-08-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 8, 2025
The Franciscan Monk, Richard Rohr, wrote:

“In the New Testament, and particularly for Jesus, the most common image for what God is offering us is a banquet. It’s not a trophy, not a prize, not a reward reserved for later, but a participative and joyous party now. A banquet has everything to do with invitation and acceptance; it is never a command performance.”

I recently had a conversation with a politician, and I never really considered what it might be like to be a politician during the holiday season. As a politician, he is invited to numerous events between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is more than the number of hours in that month. Many people extending the invitations assume that since it’s a party, the politician will be delighted to accept it. However, in his case, most of these events are work and not particularly enjoyable.

The image of a banquet, that includes an invitation and acceptance, has nothing to do with a quid pro quo dining experience. It is not about expectations or winning favor. Instead, it is all about unmerited love that creates space where a person can fully enjoy the banquet, feasting on the abundance that God provides. Of course, this is not something we experience soli on the other side of death. In faith, it is something to be experienced and lived in the here and now.

Kind and Generous Creator, through your gracious invitation, I have found delight, peace, and complete acceptance at your table. From the sanctuary to every place of welcome and gracious hospitality, I am able to feast with you and the fullness of creation. Thank you! Amen.