Thomas O’Loughlin,
Introduction to the Celebration
We have gathered
here to eat and drink in the company of the Lord. And when we do this we
declare our desire to be gathered to the Lord with a place at the heavenly
banquet. Let us reflect on what we are now doing, and ask the Lord to grant us
forgiveness and a place in the kingdom.
Gospel Notes
This gospel
reading, whose text is also found in Matthew, concerns exclusion from the
kingdom, and the focus of its teaching is that there is no automatic link
between being part of the people of Israel and a place in the presence of the
Father. The Father can raise up children of Abraham from every place and
people. When heard as part of Luke’s preaching, this was the assurance that the
Gentile converts could share fully in the promises made to Israel.