Readings: Proverbs 25:6–7; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16; Luke 14:1, 7–14

A great deal of Jesus’ time seems to have been spent at dinner with all sorts of people. Healing, argument, teaching, reconciliation — the panoply and parade of human life before God took place around food and drink and fellowship in Jesus’ company.

The worship of the body of Christ recalls and celebrates with thanksgiving this very bodily practice of the Lord. Scripture is read, Old Testament and New, the story of Israel and the gift of church, “that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God’s Word” (Vatican II, Sacrosanctum concilium). Jesus meets us, as he promised his disciples at supper, and so “treasure is opened and placed at everyone’s door, yes, upon the table” (Luther, Large Catechism).

Beati qui ad cenam nuptiarum Agni vocati sunt (blessed are those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb, Revelation 19:9)!