The invitation not to be missed
Blessed is anyone
Who will eat bread in the kingdom of God! Luke 14:15
Read Luke 14:16—24
Just about every time I come to the holy communion the words of Jesus echo in my ears, ‘I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ It’s the next thing. The banquet with the Lord is what comes next, and the very communion, his self-giving in communion, is his invitation to it. I suppose some of the excuses offered in Jesus’ parable sound less frivolous than others. But I know a little of my own heart. I know any excuse that gives anything greater weight or urgency or pride of place in my life than to feast upon Jesus and to have Jesus front and center as honored host is exactly that. It is feeble. It is mere excuse. I could have caught myself making this excuse today as easily as any other day. Easily.
Prayer
Dear Lord, because you told this story in this way I know that you know the human heart intimately. You expose it. You expose me. How shallow I can be when I say I accept and welcome you. You do warn me. You warn me that I am the loser when I deny you. And you teach me. You urge me to be ready, to be ready for your great, great generosity. You do not want me to miss a thing, not a mouthful, not a cupful, not the welcome speech, not a joke at the table, not laughter, not the privileged company, the lucky, blessed companionship. You do not want me to miss my place at the table of the Lord.