Arulvakku

14.01.2015 LEVI

GOSPEL READING: MARK 2:13-17

Jesus went to the house of Levi, on invitation, for a farewell –feast which Levi had arranged to his friends before he joined Jesus. Prophet Elisha made a similar meal before he left for his new mission (1Kg 19:21). Levi was cheerful because he got a new vocation (from Jesus) and he was grateful to God for that and hence this celebration was called for.

In Judaism fellowship at table had the special meaning of fellowship in the sight of God. Each person at the table ate a piece of broken bread and thus received a share in the blessing spoken by the master of the house over the whole loaf. Finally, every meal is a sign of the coming eschatological meal and the eschatological fellowship with God. Jesus offered this fellowship to all and especially to the marginalized.

யூத கலாச்சாரத்தில் சேர்ந்து உண்பது உறவை வெளிப்படுத்தியது. இறைவன் அம்மக்களுக்குக் கொடுக்கும் ஆசீரில் பங்கு பெறுவதாகும். மறுஉலகில் இறைவனோடு உண்ண இருக்கும் உறவு-உணவுக்கு இது ஒரு முன் அடையாளமாக இருந்தது.