“He it is who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14—Midnight Mass)

Every Monday evening, during the winter months, our parish community hosts a meal for those who would not otherwise be able to have a meal through a program called the Winter Welcome Table. This is a project that involves probably over a hundred volunteers throughout the course of the year. Many of those who help with the Winter Welcome Table do not even stay around to see those who come for the meal. Some volunteers might simply come in on Monday morning and help set-up. This past Monday, the Winter Welcome Table hosted its annual Christmas dinner. I cannot describe what a beautiful event this was. Our community had been preparing for this event for several weeks. Many in our community donated Christmas gifts to be given to the men and women who come to this meal. Those who donated these gifts often never see the people to whom they are given. Sister Gabriel visited our school and organized for the students to donate presents and to make handmade Christmas placemats for those who attend our dinner. For several weeks before the dinner was served, volunteers arranged for enough turkeys to feed the many who would gather. On the actual night of the Christmas dinner over forty volunteers were involved with cooking the meal, preparing for the event and serving the 140 individuals who came to enjoy this meal. What struck me, and many of the people who attended this meal, about this evening was the joy that was expressed by all who attended. The volunteers were so happy to be hosting this event and were overjoyed to be able to offer something to those who might otherwise not be able to have a Christmas dinner. Each meal that came out of the kitchen was prepared with loving attention, as if for a family member. Those who were attending the meal were truly moved by the fact that people cared enough to offer them a meal and a Christmas present. Many of the regular attendees were and are on a first name basis with the volunteers. For me, the parish’s Winter Welcome Table is a beautiful statement of our parish’s belief that because Jesus has come into the world, we are all of us brothers and sisters in Christ, called to give back to the Lord in service to our brothers and sisters in need, as a way of expressing thanksgiving for God’s boundless generosity in saving us through His Son. Continue reading →

The Bible starts and ends with two beautiful stories about God’s communion with the human person. At the beginning of the Bible, in the Book of Genesis, there is a beautiful story about the creation of the world and the manner in which humanity lived in communion with God in the Garden of Eden. At this time, the human person is described as almost being at one with God as God walks in their midst and humans fear nothing in God’s presence. They enjoy intimate communion together . The Bible ends with the beautiful image of Heaven which is presented in the Book of Revelation. Again, here, redeemed humanity is presented as living in communion with God for all eternity at the Heavenly banquet. Those who are admitted to this banquet, will praise God with his saints and angels and know His love for all eternity. Some, who have been admitted to the Heavenly banquet, have gained their admission through their perseverance and conviction that God is with them in their trails and difficulties of life. Continue reading →