One is the Table

One is the table that is prepared for rich and poor alike. And though a person may be rich, yet to this table the rich can give nothing. And should another be poor, this one shall have no less honor because of poverty in regard to the things which here belong to all. For this favor is from God, and what wonder that it should be for the rich and the poor alike? For the same is the table that is prepared for the poor person, sitting waiting for alms, as for the emperor adorned with the diadem and clad in the royal purple, to whom the rule of the world is given. Such are the gifts of God who gives, not according to dignity but according to the will and the mind of each.

To this table therefore let the poor and the emperor come with equal confidence and with equal profit; and here more often the poor will be the richer. And why? Because the emperor is involved in a thousand affairs, and like a ship is tossed hither and thither and brought close to many sins. But the poor have to think solely of the need for food, and such a life is passed in tranquility and freedom from responsibility, like a ship secure in harbor; and so a poor person approaches much more confidently to the sacred table.

Again, in the feasts of the outside world the poor may be sad and unhappy, the rich festive and rejoicing; and not because of food only but also because of dress. For what happens with regard to food happens also with regard to clothing. For when a needy person sees a rich one clad in fine clothing, the needy one is stricken and fancies himself the unhappiest of all. But here this is taken away, for all alike are clothed with the one saving garment: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

St. Leo the Great