Catering Budget

Dear Sir,

Given the current financial crisis I am slightly concerned by the spiralling catering budget for Luke’s gospel. Things start so well in Luke 1 where we learn that John the Baptist will never touch a drop of wine and in Luke 2 where the infant Jesus is breastfed. I was initially concerned by the cost of feeding the ‘multitude’ of angels that appeared to sing at Christ’s birth but mercifully they left promptly, and without the necessity for refreshments.

Given that gluttony is one of his major acts, the devil rather surprisingly seems to have no catering budget in Luke 4 whatsoever and resorts to tempting Christ to turn stones into bread; ha! The instruction about fasting in Luke 5 brings me deep joy, the boat on a squally Sea of Galilee is going to leave nobody with an appetite, and the feeding of the five thousand from a single lunchbox is inspired cost cutting. Impressive.

I would however draw your attention to the profligacy of Luke chapters 14 & 15. Jesus first dining with a crowd of Pharisees, then a story about a wedding feast, then a story about a Great Banquet, then a party when a sheep is found (yes! a sheep!!), then another when a coin is found, and then a feast and a celebration WITH A FATTENED CALF just because some wretched prodigal finds his way home – yet another mouth to feed!!! Who is going to pay for all this? At least Zaccheus in Luke 19 has the decency to get his wallet out for once.

But this is my most serious concern. In Luke 22 the Messiah breaks bread, drinks wine and commands all his followers to do this in remembrance of him. Doesn't he know the cost?

Yours,

Accounts.