Photo: Communion during one of the Gulf Wars

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

“God, you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies?”

Maybe soldiers on the battlefield understand this as well as any of us. The work of U.S. military chaplains (since 1775) has always been to remind soldiers of the presence of God with them, even in the midst of war.

There is a reason Holy Communion is primarily a public, communal event: because our salvation is not just for ourselves alone, but for all of our neighbors, family and friends — EVEN WHEN WE DON’T LIKE HOW THEY BEHAVE.

I heard someone say at church recently, “I don’t like her right now.” The reason is unimportant for this reflection, but her honesty reminds us that Jesus invites us to the table even when we don’t like each other very much. This might be because of a friend conflict, or a marriage on the rocks, or someone who feels unwelcome or unloved.

Jesus did not examine the disciples when he set a table before them to see if they were worthy of the meal he offered.

He did challenge Judas, who would betray him.

But he gave the meal to them all, as they were — broken, and beloved people of God.

In the name of God who prepares Tables,
Pastor Bonnie Wilcox