Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
—Luke 10:38-42
I will measure out the flour,
knead and shape and bake the bread.
Rabbi, come and rest an hour:
Do not leave ‘til you are fed.
Let me set and fill a table
where the hungry come and eat.
I will serve as I am able
and prepare for you a seat.
For you speak of heaven’s kingdom
and I feast on what I’ve heard:
Bread and wine for all who seek them.
Milk and honey are your words.
But no speech can satisfy us
in the needs of flesh and blood,
so you promise to supply us
both with mercy and with food.
At a table filled with plenty
you will serve us bread and wine,
so our hands are never empty
at the feast that fills all time.
Rabbi, come and take your seat here;
at my table you’ll be fed.
When you bring me to your feasting,
you will serve me better bread.
Detail from “Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary” By Johannes Vermeer – Google Arts & Culture — fwE2zem7WDcSlA, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156434638
Kate Bluett 