Dear Parishioners,
In the ancient Hebrew culture, a meal was much more than just biological feeding. Meals were actually used to seal friendships. Even business deals nowadays are sealed with a meal or done “over coffee” because they want to depart as friends, not just business partners. An invitation to dinner is a declaration of friendship.
That was why when Jesus ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, it was an outrage — because he was declaring to the world that he was their friend.
That was why when Judas betrayed Jesus right after the Last Supper, it was a grievous betrayal between one friend to another friend. (That’s why at the end of the Mass we are told, “Go Forth.” That means continue to live the Mass and don’t betray Jesus when we're not true to our friendships.)
Fr. Cantalamessa, spiritual director of the papal household during Pope John Paul II’s papacy, said that Communion is like a marriage proposal. At every Mass, God is saying, "I love you, I want you to be totally one with me." Every Mass then is like a date with your lover. A Family reunion. A party.
Every Mass is designed to strengthen our relationship with God. At Mass, God is sealing our friendship with Him. But He doesn't do it with an ordinary meal. It is so special. He does it in such a dramatic way, because the meal is Himself. What a gift!
Just a quick note to thank our dear parishioners, from the bottom of my heart, for warmly welcoming me to serve our Parish of St. Joseph. This is such a special place because of your gift of stewardship. It's home. And home is where God is. And He is here.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito