Carol's Corner, 11/05

home

THANKS FOR THE TABLE

We thank The, God, for daily bread

As by thy hands our souls are fed

help us to grow more like to Thee

Today and through eternity.

Jesus like to eat. The Bible tells me so: Making wine in Cana. Eating at Simon the Pharisee's table. Talking with Mary while Martha got supper ready. Picnicking with uninvited guests numbering five thousand, plus. Asking a Samaritan stranger for a drink. Inviting himself for dinner. Attracting gossip and criticism for his choice of meal mates. Teaching that the kingdom was like a huge banquet with strangers and stragglers pressed to come in, fill the empty chairs and enjoy the marvelous meal. His last evening with his disciples took place around a table. After resurrection, he cooked his followers breakfast.

Is eating together a faith tradition we have begun to neglect? Today it's unusual enough for us to eat together that articles are written of the simple equation between families that sit down for meals together and kids that thrive. Families that eat together, endure. Kids that eat with their families, do better at almost everything. no wonder Jesus like to eat - eating together can be a sacred act. Sharing food melts some of the natural barriers between us. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies...." Animosities end, enemies befriend, around a shared table.

In the movie Soul Food, an extended family splinters after the death of their beloved Big Mama. Amad, ten years old, is certain that it is up to him to get them together again. He coaxes and schemes and they all come together for one more Sunday dinner - and although there are still problems, around the table they find their way back to being a family again.

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Most of us will find our way to one table or another. Wherever you are for Thanksgiving, know that this pastor is thankful for you. Know that you are God's handiwork, and that you are bringing life and goodness where it is needed. The Lord is with you. He enjoys good company - and He likes to eat.

Philippians 1:3 Carol

Contact the webservant with any comments or suggestions about this page.