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“Oh, don’t worry. We’re gonna feed you supper.” These were the words uttered to me by a good friend this past Wednesday during a Lenten Book reflection group, whilst I sat eating the most scrumptious asparagus soup anyone could ever wish for. “Oh, don’t worry, we’re gonna feed you” are music to ears, not just because I love to eat, but because I love to eat with friends and family! Is it any wonder why Jesus put so much emphasis on breaking bread with his friends?

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately about how we are fed, physically, spiritually and emotionally. There is a monumental amount of love and care that goes into preparing a meal, especially when company’s coming. The chef would need to consider the likes and dislikes of their dinners, as well as any allergies or food sensitivities. Then there’s the shopping for ingredients, time allotted for food preparation, and of course the setting of the table. Now, these are all things most of us do on a daily basis for feeding ourselves and our families, but there’s added special considerations given when family or friends from outside the immediate household come to share a meal. 

I’ve always enjoyed the act of watching my friends and family prepare a meal, especially when I know I’m going to be the recipient of their labours! This, for me, is so often when my most heartfelt conversations of connecting and building relationship with people happen. There’s something about the act of cooking and eating that naturally bring out our desire to be in relationship with one another. Eating together seems to make the conversations flow naturally by lowering our walls and defences. We can see each other as our fellow human beings, on this earth together at this time in history, co-celebrating and co-suffering together the same joys and the tragedies. It is indeed in these moments that we can see the other as the God given gift they truly are.

Ecclesiastes 9. 7,8

Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do. Let your garments always be white; do not let oil be lacking on your head.