By Amanda Hines
In his book Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating, Norman Wirzba writes, “The ministries of Christ demonstrate that the path to full or abundant life is not a magical path. It is a practical journey that begins with eating. Table fellowship is among the most powerful ways we know to extend and share in each other’s lives.”
When I lived in Waco, one of my friends invited me to get together with two of her close friends for a monthly dinner club. Each month one person would host everyone in their home and prepare a main dish for all of us to share.
If you were not hosting, you were expected to volunteer to bring either a side dish, a bottle of wine or a dessert to round out the menu for the evening. The host would let the group know what the main dish would be, and then everyone else would determine what other items would best complement the entrée.
The first time I joined came shortly after a time when social gatherings had been scarce, and I was longing for opportunities to be with others in community. I remember how the other people in the dinner club welcomed me so kindly, and the conversations we had around the shared meals were a treat. This monthly practice was something I always looked forward to, especially when I got the opportunity to welcome and host these new friends into my home. The event gave me opportunities to practice giving and receiving hospitality, experiment with different flavors and recipes and taste some really delicious food prepared by people who I grew to know more deeply. There was something deeply special and transformative about feasting on a meal that would come together dish by dish in the company of friends.
Today is World Communion Sunday, a day in the life of the Church where we set aside time to remember that Christians and congregations across the world are connected by our faith. We are reminded that we are made one in Jesus Christ. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper this morning, I invite you to meditate and consider the ways in which our practice of eating this sacred meal forms, transforms and unites us together to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.