Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
I recently had the opportunity to attend “The Longest Table” here in Dayton. The premise of this event was to invite people of all races, religions and from all parts of our city to come together and share a meal. Over 500 people registered, and I enjoyed a wonderful meal with people who were from many different races, ages, and religions. There was open conversation about the struggles that each individual had, and there was also a shared vision of making our city a better to place to live for all people.
My experience with “The Longest Table” came to mind when I read today’s readings. Throughout scripture, communal meals are used to bring people together- to build bridges and to share love. If we desire peace in our city, country and world, maybe we need to begin by coming together to share meals in fellowship and love. When we humbly share ourselves and without judgment listen to the concerns of others, we begin to create opportunities to bring unity and compassion to the suffering world.
In the first reading, St. Paul reminds us of the importance of “being in the same mind, with the same love, united in heart.” I am certain that St. Paul knows that there will be differences of opinion, but he encourages us as Christians to “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” When we approach people who are different from us- whether different in ethnicity, religion, political ideology- we are tempted to think of ourselves as superior. So much of the tempest today comes from a sense of “I’m right and you’re wrong!” and there is no openness even for discussion. If we are truly participating in the Spirit, we are called to live in compassion and mercy and look out not just for our own interest, but “those of others as well.”
In the gospel reading, Jesus is attending a dinner and he reminds his host (and us) to include all people at the table when we have a meal. It is those who are least that Jesus says to include, since there is no expectation for repayment. Jesus does not want us to judge or discriminate when we come to the table, since He includes all.
I believe that there is great significance that Jesus uses a meal (the Last Supper) to institute a practice of table sharing for His followers. Jesus recognizes that when people come together and share fellowship with food, there is a bond of love and peace that is created. Jesus becomes that bond of peace and unity when we share the Eucharist. Jesus humbly and with the interest of all people gives Himself completely, so His compassion and mercy can unite all as one.
My experience with “The Longest Table” reminded me of the importance of sharing meals with others. With so much tension and turmoil in our society I think this could be the beginning of healing for many. Where should we start? I think the first place that we need to bring healing and peace is into our homes. There have been many studies that show the importance of shared family meals for children’s’ health and development. Although our lives are busy, sharing a meal- without television, cell phones or other distractions- could be the beginning of a greater sense of community and love within our individual families. This takes effort to create time for these gatherings, but these meals should serve as models on sharing fellowship when we are outside of our comfort zone.
We share a meal every time we celebrate the Eucharist. Maybe we could have a greater awareness of those who share the meal with us. Even in a faith community, there can be issues of varying opinions and judgment. I believe that St. Paul is speaking to us when he calls us to “humbly regard others.” If Christ is truly our bond of peace, then we need to unite our community with mutual respect and love for one another- even if we don’t agree on everything.
The dissention in our country is certainly a source of great sorrow for many people. After my experience with “the Longest Table, I posted the following on Facebook: “There is no doubt in my mind that the only way we can begin to help solve the many problems of our city, country and world is to sit down face to face and listen (really listen without immediate judgment) and share. Building community starts with conversations- but these must be based on mutual respect and love for the other person (even when we do not agree with their ideas.)” I also shared that I had a real sense of the presence of God while I was at this gathering. An aerial view of this long table, reminded me of what it might be like to be at the “heavenly banquet” where all are invited to share the meal without prejudice, judgment or hatred. If we allow God to be present with us, then He will bless the sharing of lives. If we come to the table with others- including everyone without bias- then hopefully we can unite as a people and exclaim, ‘In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.”
Heavenly Father, You are the source of our peace. Your Son, Jesus shows us how to share that peace through His humility and self-giving. Send down Your Spirit on us so we can bring Your peace to the world around us. Through shared meals of love and grace may we build your kingdom here on earth and bring you glory and praise. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen
- Marylynn Herchline