Welcome to the Feast - by Clifford M Yeary (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Welcome to the Feast is an invitation to explore the theme of celebrating God's unfolding covenant relationship with humanity in the context of a meal. Starting with Abraham's hospitality in providing a feast for three divine visitors, the menu in Welcome to the Feast begins with ample servings from the Old Testament before delving into Jesus' many controversial meals with his disciples and other sinners. After savoring the accounts of miraculous feedings, the accounts of the Last Supper as recorded in Paul and the Synoptic Gospels become the main course. Yeary follows with the "breaking of the bread," in the book of Acts. Finally, we hear in Jesus' bread of life discourse in John the call for all who are hungry for true food to come to the feast.

Review Quotes

Welcome to the Feast welcomes the reader into the richness of the biblical imagination. The interpretation of the stories of the Eucharist in Scripture fortifies with a fresh sense of understanding the chain of memory that Christians keep at the Table of the Lord. The conclusion of the book declares: "May we always eat with hearts that give thanks." What a fitting invitation offered by this inspiring book.
Richard N. Fragomeni, Professor of Liturgy and Preaching at The Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

"Great moments in biblical eating . . . this book traces the development of biblical Eucharistic theology within the context of the deeper significance of meals in biblical narratives and ancient Mediterranean culture. Thoughtful reflections on the importance of food and eating in contemporary society complement readable and enriching commentary on this most important theme of Christian life."
Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ
Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament Emerita
Brite Divinity School

This thoughtful and informative book by Clifford Year, Associate Director of the acclaimed Little Rock Scripture Study program, explores the deep biblical roots of the Eucharist. Intended for a wide audience, Yeary's study begins with key Old Testament accounts of meals such as that of Abraham and Sarah with their three mysterious guest at Mamre in Genesis 18, the stories of the origin of the Passover meal and its continuing celebrations, and the dreams of the final destiny of humanity with God portrayed as a great banquet or wedding feast. The act of eating expressed in these meals evokes the gift of life given to us by God and opens the meaning of the Eucharist as both nourishment for life and a sign of intimate union with Christ. Written in a very accessible manner, this would be a fine resource for a parish Bible study group focusing on the Eucharist.
The Bible Today

"One cannot exaggerate the importance of the Eucharist for Christian, and especially Catholic, identity. All the more reason to praise Clifford Yeary's book, Welcome to the Feast. It hits just the right notes for a wide audience. Sophisticated yet not technical, it explores all the essential biblical foundations of the Eucharist. Yeary deftly interprets the pertinent Old and New Testament passages, summarizing the best scholarly interpretations in everyday language, while avoiding the trap of prooftexting. An informative and inspiring book I am pleased to recommend. It is a delectable little feast in itself!"
Ronald D. Witherup, SS, superior general of the Sulpicians and author of The Word of God at Vatican II: Exploring Dei Verbum

"This book is indeed a feast. Cliff Yeary's prose flows so effortlessly that it is only upon reflection that the reader realizes the amazing amount of resources seamlessly woven together. This is a 'must have' for anyone teaching Eucharist and a refreshing update for all of us who celebrate Eucharist regularly."
Irene Nowell is a Benedictine of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas

"This book will enrich the Eucharistic understanding of both those new to the faith and of Catholics who have been at the table of the Lord for years. It is the readable and reliable presentation many have been looking for, a synthesis of Catholic biblical scholarship on the Eucharist presented in down-to-earth language. Noteworthy is the treatment of messianic expectation in the prophecy of Isaiah, a dimension of Eucharistic spirituality often overlooked. The charts of text comparisons show how the New Testament still reflects the struggles of early believers to meet the needs of both Jews and Gentiles at the Lord's Supper. A timely and exciting book!"

Abbot Jerome Kodell, author of The Eucharist in the New Testament