Gospel Seine-ry Part 7: Streetside Cafes (Matthew 5:14-16)

We saw many great things along the Seine and in Paris (as well as in the rest of France). As we conclude our talk today about “Gospel Seine-ry”, I want to circle back bring our attention again to Matthew 5. Along the Seine and everywhere in Paris and everywhere we saw in France actually there was outdoor seating. There were cafes lining the streets. When we were there it wasn’t actually the nicest weather in the world. It was quite a bit colder than it was here. Every time you went to a café or a streetside restaurant, they sat you outside. It was neat on nice days especially so many people side by side, as restaurant bordered coffee shop, bordered restaurant, bordered coffee shop. The atmosphere was great as everyone in the morning enjoyed their croissants and espresso and their meals in the evenings. The noise and the joy drew you in. People were not hidden away inside (unless they insisted, I assume) unless the outside was full.

This reminded me of Matthew 5. These restaurants were not hiding their customers inside and as a result potential patrons could see the crowds, and/or their friends and decide to come in for a meal or a coffee themselves and then they also can experience all the joys of that experience.

So it is with us. As we feast at the Lord’s banquet, let us not do it in secret. Let us not hide away from the world as if it is too cold to be warmed by the love of Christ; let us instead, each and everyone of us, move the metaphorical chairs of our salvation outside so that we can catch the eyes of our friends walking by and invite them to join us in this great meal of eternal life that can begin even now and continue on for all eternity.

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Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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