While on a mission trip, I witnessed the love of Christ in a profound way that I will never forget. Along with my wife and team, we were blessed to render dentistry to those in the poor, remote bays of the Dominican Republic. Every day, they would prepare lunch based on what little food they had to express their appreciation. These loving people graciously shared what little food they had.

By lunchtime, we were ‘hungry.’ One day, they served rabbit as the main course. Some were not thrilled since they had never eaten rabbit. While sitting on the ground, we noticed an entire family of eight, all ages, from the dad down to the 3-year-old, who had big tears rolling down his face. When we asked why he was crying, we were told they had not eaten in days, so we immediately started passing our plates to them. What we witnessed next was life-changing—the family first gave the toddler all the food!

They smiled as they watched the little brother eat. They told us kindly, “We will wait to eat what is left when he is full.” Our ideas of hunger and humility were forever changed.

Today’s readings teach us to “humbly regard others as more important than yourself” and “invite the poor when you hold a banquet.”

We had witnessed life in the Eucharist. The poor taught us to be unselfish and to treat the least as the most important.

Rabbit was the meal. It was a banquet of love amongst those with little, and we were blessed to be on the guest list.

May we also become Jesus to others at the banquet celebrated in every Mass through the most humble piece of bread served by the most benevolent God.

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, help us see you, know you, and be close to you through the gift of your precious Son. Help me to be less of me and more of you, Jesus! Amen