Feasting at God’s Table of Mercy

Today, as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, the great missionary of the East, the readings invite us to contemplate one of Scripture’s most tender images: God preparing a banquet for His people. Advent is a season of longing and expectation, and the Word today reminds us that what we ultimately long for is communion—God’s desire to feed, heal, and satisfy His people. In the first reading, Isaiah paints a breathtaking vision: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines.” This is no ordinary meal. It is God’s victory banquet, where sorrow is swallowed, tears are wiped away, and death itself is destroyed. The abundance of this feast reveals the heart of God—a God who does not ration grace, who does not measure love, but who pours Himself out lavishly. The Gospel shows this prophecy unfolding in Jesus. Matthew tells us that Jesus climbs the mountain, heals the blind, mute, lame, and broken, and then feeds thousands with only seven loaves and a few fish. The miracle is not simply about food—it is a revelation of God’s compassion, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise. Jesus is the Host. The mountain is wherever He is. The banquet is open to all who come to Him in need. This is the mystery we enter every time we come to the Eucharist. The table of the Lord is not just a ritual—it is the same banquet Isaiah foresaw, the same compassion Jesus showed on the mountain. Here, God receives us. Here, He nourishes the hungry places within us. Here, He transforms our poverty into abundance. But the question remains: Do we come to this table with gratitude? Do we recognize that we are the guests of a generous God? As we journey through Advent, the Eucharist becomes our practice feast—our weekly, even daily participation in the eternal banquet God is preparing for us. Each Mass is a reminder that death is not the end, fear is not the final word, and scarcity is not our destiny. God is drawing us toward the fullness of life with Him. Today we also look to St. Francis Xavier, who crossed oceans, learned new languages, and endured hardships so that all people might know there is a place for them at God’s table. He lived with a heart on fire—because he knew that when God sets the table, everyone is invited. As we continue our Advent preparation, may we open our hearts to the abundance of God’s mercy, come to His banquet with gratitude, and share His generosity with the world.