Fr. Maurice Emelu

The Great IV to Table

Posted on August 3, 2014 Updated on August 3, 2014

I was thinking of the great invitation to come to the table of the provider of the best food, the freshest water and milk. I found I could ‘buy’ this food without paying for it. It is free? I can’t afford it. My money cannot buy it. My gold cannot acquire it, neither could my assets net it in. It’s all free. The more I try to achieve it, the farther away I find myself from it.

How is it free when I am invited to buy it at the same time? For one, nothing I have could afford it. Nothing! It will only come as a gift. Here I see the Lord speak through the prophecy of Isaiah about the fulness of his grace which is unearned, undeserved and unmerited favor. Such is the grace of his presence in the Eucharist wherein we share in the communion of his body and blood.

Sort of covenant, yes it is a covenant. We are divinized, by the grace of God, by sharing in this food of angels. The result is a wealth of life, fountain of grace for us and for many. The source and summit of holiness, of joy, of peace; beauty, truth and goodness.

I must hurry therefore to receive him. I must say, “Yes” to his invitation. That, at least, I can do.