Posted by
jb and Company on Saturday, September 29, 2007 10:01:18 PM
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you." Very familiar words to those of us who are Christians. For me, it was a metal plate passed along the pew, offering each of us a tiny piece of cracker which we put in our mouths as the pastor said the words...then grape juice in little stainless steel, then later, plastic cups, tucked in their little holes in the metal carrier...also passed along the aisle. "This is my blood; drink ye all of it." And, as one, we all tipped our tiny shot glasses back and downed the purple liquid. For us, it was meant to be a time of reflection, to "get right with God". We often sang "Blest Be the Tie" at the end...signifying that the family had eaten together.
Our Orthodox friends lay more weight on Communion or The Lord's Supper, calling it mass or The Eucharist. If I understand correctly, it has redemptive significance. But, I believe they also consider it a time of reflection and communion...eating with God.
I've wondered lately if that is the only time food is holy. (Of course, we wouldn't say any food is as holy as the Supper of the Lord.) But, in our celebrations as well as our daily lives, I've come to believe there is a sacredness to our eating. We are aware that many cultures put much more importance on eating with a friend. It meant, in many old cultures, a form of covenant. One would not eat with another and then betray him. Nor would one eat with an enemy.
It seems we have watered that down considerably. Mom takes her Lean Cuisine to the kitchen table, Dad is meeting a client at a local restaurant...big Sis isn't eating anything...little brother is eating enough for both of them...taking two burgers and fries up to his room to watch TV and do a little homework. The American Dinner Table.
That typical family would argue with me, saying, "That's just our everyday habits...on the weekend, if we have company, we put a tablecloth on the table and maybe even have flowers and say grace."
Then, there is the inefficient preparing of food! "Why make it when I can buy it ready to eat and it costs less, to boot?" True...probably. But is life all about efficiency and economy? I would like to suggest there is an economy in deliberation. Deliberately peeling carrots, when the frozen package would be easier. Deliberately kneading whole wheat bread when brown and serve will do very well.
Let's talk economy: the time and money spent when Mother and Daughter are peeling carrots at the sink together is about as economical an enterprise as one can get. Time talking about her next date...does she really want to go out with him?...hand me another carrot...Mom...he's nice enough, but he freaks me out with his driving...what pan do I put these in? OK...in that case, he can spend the evening over here...no car. Carrots peeled and put in the pot roast and Mother/Daughter talk...accomplished.
A family sitting together, food prepared by the Dad, the Mom...somebody made it. Flowers aren't that hard to come by in most families...or a candle. Hands clasped in a loving circle, heads bowed. God is invited to our table. Of course, we aren't offering him salvation and eternal life, but we are asking Him to eat with us. Is not this an extention of that covenant? (I love the image I read of: an Italian mother holding the huge loaf of bread to her chest and taking the knife and slicing through it....the symbol needs no explanation.)
Is it presumptuous for us to say, "Take, eat...this is my body" ?