FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

Come to the Feast of the Messiah

And crowds again gathered around [Jesus]; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. …
“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’…
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. …
“How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! … but…for God all things are possible.”
Mark 10: 1b, 6-8a, 14b, 23b, 27b

Today let’s imagine what is to come. Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Relax your body and mind and spirit. Invite God’s presence with you in whatever special way seems right.

Now suppose that Jesus asks you to be one of those to help plan a great feast, a banquet for the whole kingdom of the Messiah. Jesus hands you the guest list. Read down it. Whose names are on it? What names please you? What names surprise you? Are there names left off?

You arrange the tables. Jesus you seat at the head. Who sits at the table with him? Do you? Do you wish too?

How will you arrange the rest of the guests? Will you seat each or just let those who come choose where to be? How will you encourage the guests to enjoy the feast? What will you suggest to Christ to serve; how will you decorate?

How will you “welcome” the children, the women, the dirty, the crazy, the criminal, the_________ Christ put on the list?

Let the feast begin. See your work transformed as Christ arrives. Hear the toast Christ speaks to begin the great feast. Enjoy dreaming today.

Jesus, the Christ, we pause today in our trek to Jerusalem, to Calvary, to see that for which you came, the kingdom you bring. Give us courage to continue the journey, give us wisdom to choose your way, and give us the hope of a world in which the Messiah reigns. Amen.