April 21-22, 2012
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:13-19 First John 2:1-5 Luke 24:35-48
Keeping in mind that ‘The Last Supper’ occurred within the context of the Jewish Passover Supper, stripped of all its solemnity and mystique, our weekly celebration of ‘MASS’ is really an opportunity for our family to gather for a MEAL. While the familiarity of a traditional family-meal has become formalized, we still have our initial gathering and casual chit chat, catching up with each other since the last time we were together (the Kyrie and Gloria); we remember our history and tell stories of past remembrances (Scripture and Creedal statements); then we say grace, have a bite to eat and something to drink (the Eucharistic prayer and Communion); then we say our goodbyes and wish each other well as we get on with our lives (Go in peace…) The importance of food, both literally and allegorically, cannot be overstated within our faith…as is seen in this weekend’s Gospel where Jesus asks for something to eat as a way of proving to his still disbelieving disciples that it was truly himself. Elsewhere in Scripture we have the stories of ritual feasts, of manna in the desert, of Jesus himself using a meal as a way of giving us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink. Surrounded as we are by ‘fast-food’ that comes in a bag and is meant to be eaten in the car or on the run, we might forget that the Sacrificial Meals of both Passover and Eucharist are meant to be leisurely experiences where guests/family are not just nourished by what they eat but also by what they hear and experience. The best meals nourish us in spirit as well as through our stomachs…and they bind us together in a sense of safety and unity. As the Spring days lengthen and warm, our outdoor barbecues start to beckon…our own Summer La Cena’s are being advertised in the Bulletin and most of us have cherished memories of our parish Thanksgiving Feasts as well as the countless other times we have eaten and celebrated being family. How have these events become a part of your life? What are your most cherished ‘meals’ from the past? How important is it to gather with your closest friends and family for leisurely meals? What have been your worst meal experiences? The nightmare conversations that ruined your plans and carefully prepared pot roasts? As you read this Worship Aid, you are preparing for a meal…are you preparing for a leisurely experience that will nourish you in myriad ways…or are you hoping for fast food that you can just grab and run? Bon appetite!
Thank you for coming and sharing our Corpus Christi gathering on this late-April weekend. Please remember that NEXT weekend is our opportunity to help the South County Outreach Food Bank with your non-perishable food donations….the hamper will be on the courtyard. The Bulletin has news of upcoming events, please take one with you. Also…we have 34 High School Youth who have submitted applications for becoming Youth Leaders…might you be able to help support them with some of their leadership formation expenses? The Bulletin has more info about these sponsorship opportunities. Warm weather and a leisurely weekend…as you perhaps break out your barbecue or grab some KFC and head to the beach, remember, you are loved… Bon appetite! FKB
