When
we look at one another, especially at those who disappoint us, or disagree with
us, or even humiliate us, can we not try to glimpse buried beneath their
failures and sins and apparent “unworthiness” the seeds of a desire for God, the attempts
to love (however botched), or the hunger
for holiness (perhaps muddied and misdirected, but still there)? As we take
our place at the “table” of life, can we not be a little more amazed at
people’s goodness and try to glimpse the secret beauty and depths of their
hearts, depths that only God truly knows? If we do, it’s not so hard to give up
our “place” to another.
The guest list Jesus proposes for the banquet in the kingdom of God is unthinkable for those
who are concerned about their own status or personal benefit. We all have a
“guest list” of who we invite into our lives. How inclusive is it? Who is
missing from it? Who is left out? Who else can we welcome? These are good
questions to prepare us for entering once again into the blessedness of the
inclusive table companionship to which every Eucharist so graciously invites
us. Jesus came to offer us a place at his banquet table beyond all our deserving and expectation!
Photograph of Brother Adam in the Abbey vegetable garden taken by Brother Brian. Reflection by Father Dominic.