Unveil by Jon EganSample

Day 3: The Table

Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

Luke 22

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

In the 15th century, Andrei Rublev painted The Icon of the Trinity. An icon is not like other paintings or works of art. Though it is art, it’s also more. An icon stands apart as a work that points to something divine. It’s meant to lift us out of our reality and into the realm of God. In Rublev’s painting, we see three figures at a table. It is believed that these figures are each character in the Holy Trinity — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But in the middle of the painting is what looks like an empty spot. At this table, there is a seat. For you. For me.

The center of any celebration there is a feast. Our gatherings, important meetings and evenings with family or friends often revolve around the table, the meals we share. It’s all about relationship.

At the center of all existence, we find this relationship. The Father, Son, and Spirit involved in a perfect union and dance. This is a mystery beyond description. It’s the most ancient reality and yet it reveals something fresh and new every time we enter into it! That’s the beauty of mystery - it’s not something we will ever fully wrap our minds around. It’s endless. Our relationship with the Holy Trinity is the epitome of abundance. There is endless opportunity to eat the daily bread (Matthew 6:11) for any who are willing to join in.

In Psalm 23, we read that God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. In Hebrew tradition, kings would often throw banquets outdoors. This way, everyone could see who was on the guest list. And if you were on the guest list, you were seen. So when God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, what he is saying to you is “Child, I want to be seen with you. I want you at my table. And not only do I want you at my table, but I want everyone to know that I want you at my table.”

As if that’s not overwhelming enough, then we see Jesus, sitting at a table, offering us the Bread of Life (John 6:48). We have a seat where Jesus broke the bread and shared the wine. At his table, we are invited just as we are. Come and experience the tangible presence of God through the taste-able presence of God.

Remind yourself today: ‘Love is inviting me into Holy Communion with my perfect Father, Jesus my Savior and the Holy Ghost. I belong.’

May we humbly accept.