Many of us enjoy the food we eat, and are attracted by the possibility of good food, shared with good friends. Hospitality and company go well together. The book of Proverbs reminds us that the company we keep may be more significant than the food we eat. ' Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.' (Proverbs 17.1)
In the week leading up to his death, the Gospels record Jesus enjoying meals with various friends. In Bethany, a small village close to Jerusalem, Jesus is enjoying a meal with 'Simon the Leper', who has obviously recovered from his disease. Their evening is disturbed by a nameless woman who pours very expensive perfume over his head. The dinner guests are indignant, and criticise her extravagance. Jesus' response is striking. ' But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticise her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. (Mark 14.6-8)
Several questions tumble out of my mind!
We do have the poor among us all the time, and what have we done recently to help a poor person?
And what good thing have we done for Jesus recently? Was the cost very high, or did we get a bargain? How much does sharing a meal with Jesus matter to us? or is the food what we are interested in
Best wishes,
Richard
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