Ministry Tip of the Week
by Seth Evangelho
There's something about sharing a meal. It serves as one of the easiest and quickest ways to establish solidarity. It breaks the ice, if you will, so that even deeper avenues of personal communion might arise.
I think the Romans understood something of the connection between eating and the bonds of friendship. The word companion literally means "one who breaks bread with another," and I wonder which is meant to come first, the friendship or the breaking of bread?
I think the Romans understood something of the connection between eating and the bonds of friendship. The word companion literally means "one who breaks bread with another," and I wonder which is meant to come first, the friendship or the breaking of bread?
In my experience in parish ministry, table fellowship is a catalyst for community. Each year, we run a 7-week series that begins with dinner, and those who sit down acquaintances generally report deepening bonds of friendship, while those who come as strangers almost always leave the experience with newfound "companions" on their journey of faith. The program has proven successful in a number of ways but, year after year, I'm always surprised to find the dinner/community experience to be the most appreciated by participants.
Sometimes food might seem a peripheral detail, but I suggest it be given a more central part, regardless of any specific area of ministry. Too often it's the first to be sacrificed when the budget gets strained, but maybe we should rethink this move and make sure enough funds are allocated. The wisdom of table fellowship is at the heart of our human condition, and it opens the door to genuine avenues of evangelization. Besides, God himself has elevated "the breaking of bread" to source and summit of the Christian faith (CCC 1324-1327).
As the Christmas season fast approaches, may we pray for the grace to bridle any unruly appetites, that we might truly delight in the food we share with our friends and family. And may we experience it as the sacramental sign that it is: a delicious reminder of God's abundant goodness.
"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 34:8)
Sometimes food might seem a peripheral detail, but I suggest it be given a more central part, regardless of any specific area of ministry. Too often it's the first to be sacrificed when the budget gets strained, but maybe we should rethink this move and make sure enough funds are allocated. The wisdom of table fellowship is at the heart of our human condition, and it opens the door to genuine avenues of evangelization. Besides, God himself has elevated "the breaking of bread" to source and summit of the Christian faith (CCC 1324-1327).
As the Christmas season fast approaches, may we pray for the grace to bridle any unruly appetites, that we might truly delight in the food we share with our friends and family. And may we experience it as the sacramental sign that it is: a delicious reminder of God's abundant goodness.
"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 34:8)
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