Today we
had unexpected guests. It was an
occasion to catch up, update and share stories over a meal and it was a welcome
break from the little bit of gardening I did yesterday which took its toll on
my back muscles this morning! Welcoming someone into your home can be a
joy. According to Irish customs it would
be rude to at least not ‘put the kettle on’ and ask if your guests would have a
cup of tea. Coming to share a meal and listen
to stories is what Mass is all about. There are three parts to it:
- a real physical presence,
- a sacrificial joy; and
- A communion or fellowship over a meal.
We would
missing the point of such an occasion if we were to invite someone to watch us
eating our meal while they passively listen to our stories without partaking in
the meal. This is how the Mass or the Eucharist is sometime experienced by
people who are sent away empty, excluded and not edified by word and example.
Our sharing with others especially those who turn up unexpectedly is an extension
of the table fellowship of the Eucharist which is why in some traditions the
Eucharist is referred to as simply ‘Holy Communion’.
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