“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

— Luke 14:13-14

Ms. Watts bakes hot water cornbread. Ms. Sabrina brings sweet tea. Mrs. Johnson cooks a pot of greens. Elder Bennett prepares spaghetti. David Walker’s mom bakes pies. One of the beautiful things about the Roseland community is how each person has their signature dish, and you’d better not try to compete! When you bring all that food together around the table, it becomes a feast.

What I love even more is that everyone eats. Whether you attended church that morning or were just passing by, everyone is welcome to the meal. There’s even a city bus driver who has stopped his bus at the corner and run in to grab a plate. (His passengers didn’t seem to mind.) It’s a reminder of the abundance and inclusivity found in community meals.

Jesus often gathered around meals with people. And in Luke 14 he talks about inviting people with disabilities, who are usually overlooked, ignored, or even outcast. A shared meal isn’t just about food—it’s about hospitality, inclusion, and breaking down barriers. When we gather to eat, we follow Jesus’ example of welcoming all to the table.

Whom can you welcome to your table this week? What will you prepare? Will you let them give to you as well?

Lord, thank you for the beauty of shared meals where everyone is welcome. May we embrace hospitality and receive others freely. Amen.