WEDNESDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT
Is 25: 6-10 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 15: 29-37
EUCHARIST: A CELEBRATION OF THE BANQUET OF LIFE
Banquets play a very important role in our culture – they unite people, mark festivities, and celebrate achievements. Israel celebrated ceremonial and ritual banquets. Ceremonial banquets were held on the occasion of national celebrations (Esth 1:3-9), they also celebrated mutual friendship, unity, and solidarity (Lev 22:2-44) of the host and the guest. The ritual banquets on the other hand marked some transitional point in a person’s life (Gen 21:8), where the stranger was transformed into a guest (Gen 19:3-14) and an enemy into a covenantal partner (Gen 26:26-31). Some ceremonial banquets also served as ritual banquets; the Last Supper is an excellent example of such banquets (Mk 14:12–25).
In the first reading, Isaiah speaks about a heavenly banquet hosted by God after the final redemption of His people. There are three things that stand out in this passage. Firstly, there is an exuberant joy, manifested through the symbolism of good food and well-aged wine – joy that signifies victory, return, and reunion. For us Christians, joy is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God within us. Secondly, the liberation of God is offered to all people. The oft-repeated word “all” signifies that God’s saving actions are beneficial not only to the Israelites but to all the people of God. Let us not forget that we Christians are not a people for ourselves but are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ to the world. Finally, the glorious restoration cannot be attained until all the forces of evil are put to rest. It is the Lord Himself who will work this marvel for His people. “He died for us so that all might be saved” is the good news of salvation.
The Eucharist is that great banquet which the Lord celebrates every day on the ‘mountain’ of God’s altar. It is this banquet that destroys the evil forces within us, cleanses us of sin, and brings us back to the bosom of the Father, filling us with joy of the good news of salvation.
Response: In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
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