A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly

    Jesus once again is found at a meal. How often the gospels use such an occasion to provide a profound message. Surely friends and relatives enjoy the opportunity of dining together. The holiday gathering of the former Sunday dinners are special moments. Unfortunately, our life style has changed, with work, games and social commitments making such opportunities more rare.

    Some families gather one night each week with grandparents, married children and grandkids to maintain such unity. Others continue a custom of Friday night pizza to insure that they come home weekly. The gospel message is a reminder of those who are not presently included in the picture of that meal. The image can be a figure of speech, but others need to be at our table with us. Who are the lame and the poor, the crippled and blind who can sit with us? It is when we get together I learn from them and have the chance to respond to their cares, to address their agenda. The works of mercy and the judgment scene portray that meal quite well.

    A journalist this year wrote a powerful Christmas edition story moved with the idea of an event at Christmas where no one expected to be repaid. The story was overwhelmingly received as it reflected well the teaching of Jesus today. Who can I invite to dine with me?