Have you ever practiced a form of street ministry, the kind that takes to heart the gospel mandate to “go out into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find”? Not for the faint of heart, no doubt, but stretching the envelope a bit on your comfort zone will do you some good.

OUTSIDE MY HOMETOWN there was an old highway sign that anticipated a sharp and blind turn in the road. It read: “Prepare to meet God.” Rather ominous to have that evangelical reminder at such a risky bend in the road. But also very effectively placed for a hearty split-second of contemplation.

God’s kingdom is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!

A clever wedding invitation read, “Thank you for the pleasure of being your company,” an obvious play on the formal expression. In our culture of informality, such words sound stiff. But if you look closely they are intimate, tender, and warm. They suggest a profound beauty and respect: Your very presence at our celebration would make it complete. Please come.

The Lord provides a feast for all peoples. We ask that nothing may separate us from the table of God’s salvation.

Everybody likes to eat. Properly understood, each meal is an affirmation and celebration of life.

Jesus tells perhaps none more masterful a parable than the one about a wedding feast. Parables compare something in a story to something outside the story. As a parable unfolds, the comparison becomes clear and listeners realize they are being challenged to change their behavior or outlook.

God, my friends, is with the poor and God is with us if we are with them. This is not a burden; this is an adventure. —Bono at the NAACP awards, March 2007