6.20.2004
Let's grab a bite
Shared meals construct and sustain human relationships. Inviting someone to share a meal powerfully symbolizes solidarity. The word companionship actually comes from the Latin cum + panis, meaning "breading together."
Meals are social realities of great importance. Because meals express the very texture of human associations, they often exhibit social boundaries that divide human communities. We make decisions about not only what we will eat but with whom we will eat. Patterns of table sharing reveal a great deal about the way of life - the norms and commitments - of a particular community.
Within the Gospels, Jesus' meal patterns receive special attention. Many of his critics observed that "this fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." They were shocked and appalled that Jesus welcomed everyone to the table.
Nourished and strengthened into a new relationship with Jesus Christ, those who break bread together are drawn into and participate in his ministry of conquering need, overcoming alienation, and accepting the despised.
"When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12)
Meals are social realities of great importance. Because meals express the very texture of human associations, they often exhibit social boundaries that divide human communities. We make decisions about not only what we will eat but with whom we will eat. Patterns of table sharing reveal a great deal about the way of life - the norms and commitments - of a particular community.
Within the Gospels, Jesus' meal patterns receive special attention. Many of his critics observed that "this fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." They were shocked and appalled that Jesus welcomed everyone to the table.
Nourished and strengthened into a new relationship with Jesus Christ, those who break bread together are drawn into and participate in his ministry of conquering need, overcoming alienation, and accepting the despised.
"When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12)
