Feast in the House of Levi – Paulo Veronese 1573

As we journey through the Gospel according to Mark, we arrive at the scene that would have shocked all who participated (Mark 2:13-22). Jesus called Levi a hated tax collector to his side, and then invited himself in to a banquet in Levi’s house with a host of folk despised and disparaged in the day. How determined Jesus was to break down barriers, and extend the embrace of God to all! 

This Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. And there is an added gift provided by this rendition of the scene in Levi’s house by Veronese. The above image is just a portion of a monumental work, measuring roughly 5X12 metres, created for the dining hall of the Dominican monastery of Santi Giovanni e Paolo (see below). The interesting backstory is that Veronese was commissioned to paint the ‘Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His Disciples in the House of Simon’, but the artist was hauled in front of the Inquisition on charges of heresy – he had included buffoons and dwarfs and hated German (and Lutheran!) soldiers. Instead of complying with the demands for changing the painting, Veronese just changed the title, now referring to the feast of Levi! But was he not right on in terms of the deepest meaning of the Sacrament, that God’s transformative love known in Jesus Christ is for all … even for me and you?

Certified child care is offered during the service and there is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street.

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service. If you have any questions about forthcoming events and opportunities, please call the church office Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, 613-546-6316, or email [email protected]

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And next Sunday, join us for Thanksgiving … to God!

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