One meal I have always remembered took place at Bible School in the Waverly Hall United Methodist Church. It was a ministry opportunity which joined together several smaller churches, one of which I pastored. Each day we had a sandwich lunch as a part of the program My pastor friend, John, failed to bring his one day. A young boy who was sitting with him pulled out his sandwich and gave him half of it with a promise that he would bring more the next day. It was probably the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich John ever ate.
It often seems that a meal eaten alone is a meal half eaten. Back some months ago when I was eating out more, it saddened me to see folks having lunch with a hand held internet device. Food is good for eating and sharing. Jesus was one who seemed to enjoy sharing food with those around him. When He got old Zacchaeus out of the tree He spent the day with the tax collector. (Luke 19:5) If He stayed the day, He surely shared a meal. Another day Jesus was at the home of Mary and Martha and while the text does not say explicitly that there was a meal, there surely must have been. (Luke 10:38ff.)
There were many occasions which place Jesus with others at meal time. The Emmaus Road story and the breakfast on the beach are two which are most memorable. And, of course, there is the meal shared on the eve of the crucifixion which we still remember today as a Sacrament of the Church. Regardless of how meager or abundant the fare on the table, it is always good to sit with someone and share the food. It takes slowing down, paying attention to the moment, and giving of oneself to another which of course is the holy seasoning mixed in the meal.
It often seems that a meal eaten alone is a meal half eaten. Back some months ago when I was eating out more, it saddened me to see folks having lunch with a hand held internet device. Food is good for eating and sharing. Jesus was one who seemed to enjoy sharing food with those around him. When He got old Zacchaeus out of the tree He spent the day with the tax collector. (Luke 19:5) If He stayed the day, He surely shared a meal. Another day Jesus was at the home of Mary and Martha and while the text does not say explicitly that there was a meal, there surely must have been. (Luke 10:38ff.)
There were many occasions which place Jesus with others at meal time. The Emmaus Road story and the breakfast on the beach are two which are most memorable. And, of course, there is the meal shared on the eve of the crucifixion which we still remember today as a Sacrament of the Church. Regardless of how meager or abundant the fare on the table, it is always good to sit with someone and share the food. It takes slowing down, paying attention to the moment, and giving of oneself to another which of course is the holy seasoning mixed in the meal.
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