Jesus' table fellowship symbolizes communion

September 20, Wednesday of the 24th Week of Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Timothy 3:14–16; Gospel: Luke  7:31–35

What do we usually do when we come together with our friends? We talk, eat, and drink. We do not fast. We forget about dieting to lose weight. Our encounters are never complete without food, drink, and good conversation.

That's how friendship is celebrated; that's how friendship develops and deepens. We only eat with people we consider friends and those we want to be friends with. Most of our photos with friends are usually taken around the table with lots of food and drink.

When we analyze Jesus' public ministry, it is not surprising to notice that this is what he often did. He was either a guest or the host at these meals. He did not discriminate against who they shared the table with.
He ate and drank not just with the pious and religious people—like the Pharisees—but especially with the poor, the outcasts, tax collectors, and those considered sinners. This scandalized the Pharisees, and he earned the reputation of being a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of sinners.

Jesus' table fellowship was not just because he loved to eat, drink, and be merry. It was the symbol of communion—unity, sharing, and friendship—that characterizes the kingdom of God that Jesus came to proclaim and establish.

As we gather before the table of the Lord to celebrate our communion with Him and with one another, let us bear in mind that we are all welcome in spite of our sinfulness.

As Christians, our mission is to form communities of friends and disciples of Christ who live and celebrate the kingdom values of communion—unity, friendship, and sharing. This is what the Eucharist is all about.