Sunday Dinner
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
One of my favorite television dramas that considers questions of politics, justice and family dynamics is “Blue Bloods.” What really draws me in each episode is the Sunday dinner table when the Reagan family comes together regardless of the multiple disagreements that seem to be threatening family cohesion. Belonging, forgiveness and even welcome of the outsider to the table is a depiction of grace.
The Sunday dinner table in my family always featured roast beef, mashed potatoes and sometimes grandma’s homemade noodles. Around the table there was good food, laughter and acceptance. Disagreements and arguments dissipated for brief moments as we ate together. A sense of belonging was present especially when extended family gathered for Sunday dinner.
I am thankful that each week I can still experience a family Sunday dinner even though I live alone and have no relatives close to me. We call this Sunday dinner “Communion,” or “The Lord’s Supper,” or “Eucharist.” The wording of the Matthew passage is intriguing because of its simplicity. “While they were eating…” In the simplicity of the dinner table healing, forgiveness and transformation of life takes place. In the Lord’s Supper we experience fellowship with Christ and fellowship with our Christian family. Our union with Christ must naturally lead to a union of those who share the Lord’s supper.
As we witness and experience brokenness and division in our world, may we come to the table and celebrate what Christ has done and is doing for us. Come to the table. Come be reconciled to Christ and one another, even those with whom we disagree. Come, join me for Sunday dinner.
Gracious God, thank you that you sent Jesus to offer Life. Thank you for this invitation that is open to all. Thank you for loving us so much that you invite us all to the one table of Christ. Heal the brokenness of our lives and then use us as instruments of your reconciliation to our world. Thank you for such a marvelous love. Amen.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
One of my favorite television dramas that considers questions of politics, justice and family dynamics is “Blue Bloods.” What really draws me in each episode is the Sunday dinner table when the Reagan family comes together regardless of the multiple disagreements that seem to be threatening family cohesion. Belonging, forgiveness and even welcome of the outsider to the table is a depiction of grace.
The Sunday dinner table in my family always featured roast beef, mashed potatoes and sometimes grandma’s homemade noodles. Around the table there was good food, laughter and acceptance. Disagreements and arguments dissipated for brief moments as we ate together. A sense of belonging was present especially when extended family gathered for Sunday dinner.
I am thankful that each week I can still experience a family Sunday dinner even though I live alone and have no relatives close to me. We call this Sunday dinner “Communion,” or “The Lord’s Supper,” or “Eucharist.” The wording of the Matthew passage is intriguing because of its simplicity. “While they were eating…” In the simplicity of the dinner table healing, forgiveness and transformation of life takes place. In the Lord’s Supper we experience fellowship with Christ and fellowship with our Christian family. Our union with Christ must naturally lead to a union of those who share the Lord’s supper.
As we witness and experience brokenness and division in our world, may we come to the table and celebrate what Christ has done and is doing for us. Come to the table. Come be reconciled to Christ and one another, even those with whom we disagree. Come, join me for Sunday dinner.
Gracious God, thank you that you sent Jesus to offer Life. Thank you for this invitation that is open to all. Thank you for loving us so much that you invite us all to the one table of Christ. Heal the brokenness of our lives and then use us as instruments of your reconciliation to our world. Thank you for such a marvelous love. Amen.