The Banquet

In today’s reading from Isaiah 25:6-10, the prophet begins with the image of a banquet: “On this mountain, the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines.” This is not a night out at the Ponderosa; it is more than mean. It is the banquet symbolizing God’s desire to gather His people – all people – into communion with Him. It is a vision of abundance, joy, and unity. In a world often marked by scarcity and division, this image reassures us of God’s boundless generosity and the inclusivity of His Kingdom. All are invited—there is no one excluded from His loving embrace.

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The Word of God

This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday in Advent. Just as in so many instances in the Old Testament, the gravity of the moment is captured, as it is here in Luke, with the direct proclamation: “…the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.” The phrase serves to call to the fore the expression in 3:2, “the word of God came.” At the beginning of the public ministry Luke ensures we are clear regarding his core and central focus: the action and desire of God in the world. In this he echoes the proclamation from the prophet Isaiah: “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Is 55:11)  What God has promised, He will achieve in his Son, Jesus. Continue reading