After Jesus preached three parables on harvesting he turns now for the next few weeks to the celebration of banqueting and giving thanks. Whether it is an elaborate banquet or simply two children sharing a candy bar on the playground, the sharing of food involves the sharing of personhood and in the process the forging of relationships whether they be permanent of transitory

In last week's reflections we began with the relationship of the three persons in God who collaborated in their work of Creation. This week we turn to look at the work of their hands. The creation which they made, particularly, what the Bible calls: God's finest creation; the man and woman of the sixth day made in God's own image -- you and me.

The image of the banquet found in the readings from Isaiah and Matthew can be likened to a table set with the richness and the goodness of all God's creation. Isaiah gives us the image of preparing this great banquet Jesus in the parables speaks of the banquet to which those who were invited were too busy, too preoccupied or too resentful to participate-- the guests who killed the king's servants challenge us to look at our own potential for anger and violence. In a world driven by greed, there is no excuse for the millions of people in poverty and in hunger. Murder, violence, and abuse, disregard for the dignity and sacred ness of human life have become the hall marks of our society.

But the banquet was so important that the king sent for the dregs of society to take their place. Who are these invited guests? The point once again demonstrates the dignity of every relationship. The man who comes without "the wedding garment," who does not seem to be treated with much dignity is the person without commitment. The proper attire or wedding garment is symbolic of a spirit willing to co-operate and share their life in relationship and recognition of the dignity of all God's children.

The great table has been set before us. We have been challenged to examine the quality of our response to the call and invitation to participate in the creative life of God. The quality of our response has significant implications for the future integrity of all God's creation for our generation and generations to come.