Dear Friends, 

Most all of us have been to a wedding or a banquet held in honor of someone special. Jesus paints this familiar picture for us when he uses a parable about seats of honor to show how God's vision for humanity is meant to play out. For me, I immediately though about Paolino, a restaurant in Capri set totally under a grove of lemon trees, and known for it's fabulous long tables and impeccable decoration for large events. The hospitality reflected in every detail delights every person who eats or visits. Paolino has been a VIP restaurant in Italy for years and it becomes more difficult each year to access this beauty and deliciousness. The setting of this restaurant draws in all the senses: the fragrant lemon trees, fresh seafood and pasta, the excitement of sitting with strangers, and often traditional music and dancing. Just looking at the photo of Paolino above, it's easy to imagine the lovely table filled with guests. Who will they be?

A place like Paolino is just a small taste of the lavish goodness that God has for us and wants for us, and gives us access to. God's feast is a feast of love and justice, of equality, and dignity, service and connection. As Christians, we are the hosts at the table of the world and the seating chart is ours to plan, along with the food and the decoration. 

I think the table of the world is set somewhat unevenly. Like at Paolino, where the VIPs may wine and dine while others simply wait and wait, the sense of justice and equity seem further out of our reach. We seem to be mindlessly snacking on news of injustice rather than feasting on the justice of God's vision. 

When we encounter others, we host them with our presence and attention either in person or even in our thoughts. What kind of table to we set for those we meet by chance, or work or study with, or live with? Do we feed others an equal diet of patience, dignity, and respect, or do we dish out unequal measures, hoping to keep only our favorite people at our table?

Jesus is challenging all who will listen to re-set the table of the world allowing full access to all of God's gifts to all of God's people. Each of us can begin this work person by person, until the reservation line dwindles and the table grows. Take your seat this weekend at God's table, where the greatest and the least dine as equals. The more we make this known, the more our table will grow because everyone wants to belong. 

Peace to all who rest from their labors this weekend, and refreshment to all who must work,

Gabe