IMAGES OF A MAGNIFICENT BANQUET
In the Mass we have an image of the magnificent banquet of heaven.
Isaiah painted a
picture of the great day of the Lord in images of a magnificent banquet,
"a feast of rich food and choice wine." The splendid meal will be as
joyful as it will be sumptuous, for "the Lord God will wipe away tears
from all faces; he will destroy death forever."
In the Mass we have
an image of the magnificent banquet of heaven. The image, however, is already
the reality by anticipation. In the Mass the Lord provides for us, His people,
not a feast of rich food and choice wines, but the spiritual nourishment of the
body and blood of Jesus Christ, which gives us great hope during this Advent
season.
Jesus our Redeemer
has brought us great hope. "The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all
faces." In today's Gospel we can read, how Jesus' heart was moved with
pity for the crowd. He didn't send them away hungry!
Points to Pray and Ponder: The psalmist brings us to this truth: The Lord is
my shepherd. During this Advent compassion comes in many forms, a visit the
sick, a word of compassion to those who are struggling this time of the year.
Give gifts and food to the hungry and those most in need.