December 4/First Wednesday of Advent
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines. ~ Isa 25.6
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ~ Ps 23.5
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. ~ Matt 15.36-37
In my part of the world, the connection between food and caring, between comestibles and community, is richly and faithfully observed. Comforting casseroles delivered upon the death of a family member, elegant cocktail fare graciously passed at elegant cocktail parties, post-Mass coffee hour spreads that far transcend the Dunkin’ Donut holes of my former parish in the Northeast. No, in the South, we learn from an early age that hospitality usually comes dressed in edible garments. Or as the author of a recently-released cookbook observed, “Roasting a nice chicken for people is such a good way to say ‘I love you.’” In the hurly-burly of my mothering years, I sought to express my love for my family by making beef stew for Sunday dinner or offering hungry kids fresh chocolate chip cookies; now, I am limited to the more occasional grand feasts when my grown children are home for a visit. But whatever the setting, I hope that my loved ones will, like the crowds of today’s Gospel, eat and be satisfied. God’s extravagant hospitality — which is to say, God’s extravagant love — is attested in all three of today’s readings, with the rich food and choice wines on the holy mountain in Isaiah, the table spread for the psalmist whose cup overflows, and the humble repast of bread and fish that Jesus miraculously produces to feed the crowds. By offering generous, even boundless hospitality — which is to say, generous, even boundless love — we can give powerful witness to the love of God, both in and out of the kitchen!
O God, my Shepherd, feed my heart with your compassion, nourish my soul with your mercy, and satisfy me with your generous loving-kindness, so that I may sustain others with my love. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here:http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120419.cfm
