Invited
Who would you not welcome at your table?
I went to church this past weekend and heard a challenging message that asked that powerful question. The pastor prodded us uncomfortably to consider how open the “table” of our lives truly is.
Then, later in the service, I had the honor of helping to serve communion after my heart had absorbed that sermon. It was utterly beautiful to consciously look every single person in the eye as they came forward… and to say to each of them, “Welcome to the table.“
Who would you not welcome at your table? It feels appropriate, righteous, and proper to build walls and close doors, doesn’t it? And in this dangerous time, maybe it’s smart to only have so many seats available for those you know will dine safely and comfortably alongside you.
I’m not sure.
But it does seem like the ancient stories call us to welcome all. To share the bread and wine with those we love and those we have forgotten how to love. And you do seem like the kind of person who wants a crowded table.
I have a buddy who I once heard describe his religious beliefs like this, “The faith that I practice is just a big, giant table. Everyone is welcome. There’s more than enough. Pull up a chair. Party on.”
I’m thinking of this wisdom too…
“Every guest is a guest of God.” —Bedouin Proverb
And this…
“So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” —Jesus (Matthew 22:9-10)
I’m thinking about this song. I hope you’ll listen to it today sometime:
And a place by the fire for everyone
How can I hold you in prayer at our sacred table today?
*I know I made a typo in the text message you received. Sorry.
