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.

But there’s more! The joy of being “at the table” will remove every regret, every tear, and make fear of death not even a distant memory: “He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever.”  Veils, walls, dividers, prejudices – whatever we call them, the time of the great banquet holds out the promise, the divine promises to remove the barriers that separate us from Him and from one another. The veils represent sin, suffering, and fear, which cloud our vision of God’s love. 

Then there will be no need for tears. Whatever remnant there is, Isaiah tells us: “The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.” This intimate image reminds us of God’s deep compassion. Our God who does not stand distant from our pain but enters into it with us. In wiping away our tears, He offers comfort and hope, reminding us that sorrow is not the end of the story.

How are we to respond to the open invitation to the banquet? We have to prepare in perhaps three ways: trust in the Promise, live in Hope, and through our words and actions, be heralds to all that the invitation is for all. And to realize that here in this simple, daily Mass, we have a foretaste of the banquet via the Eucharist, where God nourishes us with His own life. Every time we come to Mass, we are reminded of this heavenly banquet and are strengthened to live in that hope and be His witness to the world.

God’s banquet is ready, and the invitations sent and extended to all. Advent is the season to prepare and get dressed for the banquet.

Image credit: Prophet Isaiah, Mosaic, Right of Lunette, South Wall of Presbytery, Basilica of San Vitale | PD-US | Pexels