(Is.25:6-10; Ps.23:1-6; Phil.4:12-14,19-20; Mt.22:1-14) "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines." "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son." It may be equated with "juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines," with "calves and fatted cattle ready to be eaten." A great banquet is the kingdom of heaven! But, of course, though we speak here of food and eating, we know that it is not this we should thus seek on this earth, for these things are but of the earth and are only used to help us understand the heavenly fruits which are ours in the kingdom of God. Paul makes this clear in his attitude toward food and the provisions that are of this world: "In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need," and it truly matters not to him whether he is rich or poor in material things; all that matters is that we "can do all things in Him who strengthens" us – all that matter are the "glorious riches in Jesus Christ." Food and feasting are but metaphors for the things that in this world are unseen. However, it is so that "the feast is ready" even here on this earth. It is true that the Lord "spread[s] the table before" us even in this world, even "in the sight of [our] foes." He does not leave us poor humans alone without real food to strengthen us for our journey. But this food is spiritual fare; His Body and Blood are not juicy and rich to our taste, to our bellies, but to our souls. This food nourishes the Spirit He has planted within us, and helps it ever to grow. Though real as our own flesh and our own blood, yet it truly is of heaven, and lends the glory of God to this bone of His bone. "God will fully supply whatever you need," brothers and sisters; have no fear of being in want and no anxiety to build up abundance on this earth. He indeed is beside you always, giving your soul blessed "repose." Make it your aim to "dwell in the house of the Lord." Then "on that day" He reveals His kingdom, you will "rejoice and be glad," saying, "Behold, our God, to whom we looked to save us!" Then you will enter His presence forever. Prepare your soul for the wedding feast of heaven. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "The Readiness Is All" from Bearing the Birth Pangs, tenth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, prepare us well to come into your House, to enter into eternal life with you, our God and Savior. YHWH, you spread the table before us, a feast of your kingdom. Rich food and choice wines are ours even this day in the Body and Blood of your Son. Let us offer you due praise and thanks for all your provisions for our journey to you. And when we come finally into your kingdom, LORD, where death has been destroyed and we stand in the light of your presence, our hearts shall leap up in absolute joy… and we shall remain with you forever. But let our wedding garment be prepared this day. O LORD, let us find the purity we need to stand in your presence and rejoice in your glory. For yet our hearts are not set wholly on you – forgive our continual rejection of your grace. You are at our side, dear LORD; you bless and guide us as we walk this dark earth. Help us to cling to you in trust and faith, and our place beside you will be assured. Glory to you, O LORD!