Dinner Party With Jesus

Tuesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Luke 14:15-24

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, "Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God"



I can't imagine inviting people to a dinner party at my home and then one by one each guest makes an excuse and will not come.  Yes, maybe one person may cancel at the last minute due to an illness.  Most likely an invited guest wouldn't RSVP to begin with.  I'd be upset if I spent a lot of money on food, wine, and decorations and not a single soul showed up.  It would be like purchasing $100 worth of Halloween candy and not one Trick or Treater rings the front door bell!  What a waste. What an aggravation!

Jesus every day invites us as Catholic Christians to dine with him through the reception of the Eucharist.  He sends out the invitations, lights the candles, prepares the linen clothes, pours the wine and breaks the unleavened bread.  He has everything prepared.  He just waits patiently for us to arrive with a sincere desire in our hearts to receive His Body and His Blood.  How can we push away nourishment for our soul?  Jesus invites all of his children - wealthy, poor, crippled, lame, blind, mentally ill, etc. etc - to the dinner party.  It's up to us to accept the invitation.

In my imagination, I've thought of some excuses as to why people would not arrive at a dinner party hosted by Jesus Christ.....

 "I do not believe in your god or any gods.  I will only dine with others who think the same way!"
-The Atheist

"If you are going to invite poor homeless people to the party, I will not show up.  I refuse to be around smelly, unclean, foul human beings."
-The Elitist

"Uh, Sorry but I will not attend since my kind are not the majority invited."
-The Racist

"Sorry, I can't come, Mr. Jesus.  I have a very important business venture to wrap up.  It's such a lucrative deal!"
-The Opportunist

"Oh, sorry, Christ.  I have plans to get high with my friends tonight.  We have some terrific coke and meth.  Pricey stuff I can't let go to waste."
-The Drug Addict

"Oh Jesus Christ...How are yaaa doin'??  Ah, wow, I'd like to come to the P-A-R-T-Y but Bud Light and I have a date tonight!  Plan to get toasted while watching some porno flicks!"
-The Drunk & Porn Addict

"Sorry, Jesus, I'm bidding on a nice purse for sell on EBay.  Auction ends tonight!!  The item is a real bargain. Can't miss it!"
-The Internet Shopping Junkie

The list can go on and on....  I would jump at the chance to dine with Jesus if he was still alive in the flesh!  How interesting to talk with him and ask him questions.  (Of course, he'd only answer them with another question!)  So many people reject religion in their lives.  They are missing the tremendous love Christ always brings to his children.  He wants his Church filled...overflowing with people who come to worship and adore.  Not mock and runaway.  Let's all accept the invitation to dine with Jesus!

-J.