Egyházi Értesítő, 1989 (305-313. szám)
1989-03-01 / 305. szám
<£ugíi$b Section Those who have studied the history of mankind tell us that food and drink have a far greater significance than the mere satisfying of hunger and thirst, and that almost every important event in life has its accompanying feast, just as today we have the christening party, the wedding reception, and the gathering of relatives and friends after funerals. From early times, these were not only social occasions but had religious importance as well. In the Old Testament, part of the sacrifice was eaten by the people and part was burnt and offered to God, to signify that the guests at the feast were in fellowship with each other and also in fellowship with God. Considerable reference is made to eating and drinking in the Gospels. In fact, meals are central to Christ's teaching, for they represent God seeking and forgiving sinners, and restoring them to fellowship with others and Himself. Levi and Zacchaeus who, as tax-collectors, had cut themselves off from their countrymen, became disciples and were brough into friendship with Jesus, and each occasion, significantly, was brough to a close with a meal (St.Luke 5:29/19:5)« In the parable of the Prodigal Son, hunger brough him 'to himself' , reminding him of the family, around the table, and when he returned, his father demonstrated publicly that all was forgiven by having a party. But not everyone understood such a policy of love; the elder brother refused to come to feast and his father appealed to him to join In the celebration and welcome back his younger brother. The same loving principle was evident at the Last Supper,for although Jesus knew of Judas's treachery, He still expected him to come to the Supper. It is understandable that Christ should have instituted His Supper, at which He is always the Host, to be central to Christianity as the means of fellowship with Him and with other disciples. It was to be the foretaste of the heavenly banquet at the end of time to which all are invited (St.Luke 22:50). "He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:6). Egyházi Értesitő 14 1989 március ho
