COME AND EAT

Garbage cans overflow beside the road

Full of unwanted things from the buildings nearby.

I watch a woman wearing a lab coat

And a mask

Dig through the bins.

She puts aside some things

Throws others back.

Later she sorts her finds into bags

Then loads them onto a cart

And trundles them home.

She is searching for that which will sustain her

Allow her to live if not thrive.

A few meters from the garbage cans

Stands a table set with crystal and fine china

Upon a gorgeous tablecloth.

Silver cutlery and fine dishes

Crystal goblets and silk serviettes.

Candlesticks with tall candles.

A flower or two in a vase.

And a sign nearby:

Come and eat.

Buy food and wine without money.

Welcome!

The lady digs through the garbage.

The table sits empty … waiting

Beckoning.

How many seek for sustenance

In places that reek of rejection

And offer the barest minimum

When nearby … right there … a banquet beckons?

The table overflows with delicious foods

Delicacies alongside tasty basic fare.

Meats. Vegetables. Fruits. Desserts.

Full of flavour and nutrition.

A multitude of drinks, cold or hot.

Ice and garnishes.

Sauces and spices.

Everything that will do far more than sustain is laid out. 

And she digs for scraps.

Does she not see the “come and eat” sign?

Does she not know she is invited?

Maybe she cannot read.

Maybe she cannot believe.

And me?

How much of the banquet laid out for me

… peace, acceptance, joy, affection, grace, freedom, security, wisdom…

Do I ignore

   or not see 

     or not believe 

And so fail to partake?

How often do I seek for scraps 

When He has laid a banquet?

Come! Eat!

There is so much more on offer.

All that is needed for 

Abundant life 

Is laid out.

Available.

Free.

Come!

Eat!