The meal is an opportunity to change

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary tell of two people being invited to to respond to the call of God for greater involvement in the Divine plan to be intimate with all people. The Israelites have petitioned Samuel, the judge and seer, for a king to rule them. The authors of the text, according to Friar Jude Winkler, come from two sources in the history of Israel, one with distain for a monarchy and one with experience of the rule of David, a century later. The handsome young man Saul, is searching for lost donkeys and he encounters the seer, Samuel, who is prompted by God to anoint him as King of Israel. The impact of the call and response is revealed to Saul through interaction with Samuel at a meal. Mark tells of Jesus invitation to Levi (Matthew) to follow him. This must have been a shocking invitation. Levi was a tax collector and considered unclean and dishonest by the scribes and Pharisees. The dinner at Levi's house was attended by the marginalized sinners who were seated at a meal through which they are made aware of the opportunity for healing and mercy to change their direction to being intimate with God and share in His plan for the healing of all. Our understanding of the Eucharistic Meal is that encounter with Jesus who continues to welcome, heal and invite to action. Those aware of their need for healing are deeply thankful for this ongoing experience of welcome to the intimate love of God. We can see it in their face!