Fr. Simon's Letter - August 28, 2022 - Queen of All Saints

Food is central to our lives. We gather around the table with family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, and sometimes with strangers. At the table, we share life experiences and learn from others. On occasion, our fellowship around the table becomes a teaching moment. There are more references to eating, banquets, and being at table in Luke than in any other gospel. In this weekend’s gospel, we find Jesus at table with a large group of people, and – as is his habit – Jesus is teaching while everyone eats. Jesus isn't particularly interested in the food being served. What he is interested in is the people at the table.

By now, we should be familiar with Luke's focus on turning expectations upside down. Jesus was not giving a Miss Manners lesson for table etiquette here. He again explained how different the rules are in the Kingdom of God. Jesus has a different idea for the way things ought to work. As Jesus watched the guests at this Pharisee's house jockeying for good positions at the table, he saw a double teaching opportunity, and he grabbed it.

Jesus told the guests at this feast, "Instead of seeking glory for yourself, spend your time and energy giving glory to God." While the guests chewed on that food for thought, Jesus turned to his host, the leader of the Pharisees. "You're inviting the wrong people," Jesus told him. "By including only friends, family, and those who can advance your status, you are no better than these guests fighting over the best seat in the house. You're trying to make yourself look good by surrounding yourself with ‘important’ people while ignoring those who should be enjoying your hospitality." Jesus always knows how to cut to the chase, doesn’t he?

As school begins and summer ‘vacation’ days are behind us, we dive into the many activities of the various parish ministries. I invite you to join us for the Mass on the Field at 11 am on Sunday, September 11, and then take part in our Parish Oktoberfest, which begins right after Mass. Along with the Oktoberfest, the Parish Pastoral Council is setting up a Ministry Fair at this time. The Ministry Fair is an opportunity to get involved in one or more of the parish's many ministries. Whether you are inclined towards a ministry connected with the celebration of the Eucharist or the ministry of sharing your faith, or you wish to reach out in service to the needy, or the ministry of building and celebrating our community, there is an opportunity for each and every one of us.

Our fellowship around the eucharistic table is an invitation to community service. Table etiquette demanded that at formal dinners, there should be servants to serve. Servants washed the feet of the guests, served the food and cleared the tables. In Luke, it is the community as a whole who shares this service. The disciples are fellow servants, and Jesus himself is a servant at the table. Let our fellowship at the eucharistic table spur us on to service to the community.

Road Resurfacing Around the Basilica: Last week, our Alderperson Samantha Nugent informed me that she had secured a grant to resurface the streets around the parish property. As part of this process, Lemont avenue from Devon to Ionia, Keene avenue from Keating to Sauganash, and Sauganash avenue in front of the basilica will be resurfaced. This process may take a month from start to finish. We will all have to face some inconvenience, so I ask for your patience and cooperation during this time. With all of you, I am grateful that before winter is upon us, these streets will be repaired.

Blessings!!