Did you have a favorite time of the day growing up? I did – MEAL TIME!!! My mother was a great cook and just like most families back then, we had a set time for each meal. Dinner was the best because we always had that meal together as a family. Everyone had their favorites – mine growing up was Swiss Steak with some very close seconds – pork chops smothered in cream of mushroom soup; pot pies; bar-b-que you name it. Sunday’s were probably the best meals – and we only had two of them on Sunday. Dad would go to an early Mass and come home to make bacon, eggs and biscuits. The eggs were cooked to order too – fried, scrambled, soft-boiled – Dad loved this and did it every week for us. Mom took over on Sunday evening (unless we were having b-b-q, that was Dad’s domain) and it was never a disappointment.
Regardless of the day, regardless of the meal, it always began with a prayer…
Bless us o Lord and these, thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Simple prayer that my family still recites before each meal today too. So what am I getting at? This simple act, this simple formula, is what today’s readings are all about to me. And when we do these simple acts, we are preparing ourselves for that great feast we have been promised when we get to heaven. Take a closer look at our readings…
On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Again, I’m all about meal time. When I finished reading the Gospel this morning, my Prep North philosophical mind took over and I began to wonder it the Apostles had to scrub the aluminum pot pie tins clean so they could be saved to heat up the left overs on Saturday? I digress. God is about a good time and I look forward to that time. So it is now my life will be an Advent season and I wait in joyful anticipation of that heavenly feast. I must use this time here on earth to be ready for when that little black square I’m holding starts vibrating and the little red lights go off; only this Host won’t give me a time to expect that “It will be about 20-30 minutes.” Nope, I’m just told to be prepared and WATCH.
Do something great for our Lord today – sit down with family / friends and share in a little heaven here on earth – have a meal together. Start that meal with a simple blessing and then enjoy each other and the food prepared. I have written proof from today’s readings that this is exactly what Jesus would do.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 