Cynics dismiss what sounds like an amazing offer as “too good to be true.” No such thing as a free lunch, right? Wrong, say today’s readings.  Isaiah’s vision of God’s victory over death is not just a free lunch but a mouthwatering, five-star banquet on God’s mountain. “Let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” (25:9). Jesus (in Hebrew, “God saves”) gives a foretaste of this meal when he hosts a free lunch, also on a mountain. So plentiful are the bread and fish that the crowd can’t finish them.

The overabundance of these meals—one that took place near the Sea of Galilee and one that will take place in heaven—is available to us in the Eucharist. Jesus again is the Host, and he freely gives his Body and Blood to satisfy our deepest hunger. It’s an offer too good to be passed up.

Suzi Wentzel ’14 MA, Director of Communication, Mission and Ministry

PS. The advent reflections this year is sponsored by Villanova University, Office of Mission and Ministry.