THE POWER OF FOOD TO DIVIDE
Who is it that you would rather not share a meal with? No, think about it. Who would you rather not invite to share a meal? When you think about the history of the world, that question has been a major decison. Maybe when you interrupt your daily activities to share some food, it is a time for pleasure and kindness. Or maybe you have to lay down your weapons to eat and that makes you feel vulnerable. Whatever the reason, across most cultures inviting some person or group to share a meal, is a sign of acceptance and respect.
WHO DID JESUS INVITE TO SHARE A MEAL?
In Matthew 9:10-11, we are told that Jesus opened his table to tax collectors and sinners. When you consider our society, who would be equivalent to tax collectors and sinners? Don’t stop there.
In Mark 1 4:3 we are told that Jesus was eating in the house of a leper. In that story and in Luke 7:36-39 a woman of questionable reputation publicly displayed intimate actions towards Jesus and he did not refuse to accept their gestures while he ate at the table.
That is made even more dramatic when you consider that it was at the house of a Pharisee and some lawyers were present. And some of them lived up to their reputation by questioning his behavior. Luke 7: 3 6-50; 11:37-54; and 14 :1.
In Luke 19:1-10, It was Zacchaeus, considered a sinner, who invited Jesus to eat at this house. In light of our current discussions on reparation, Zacchaeus demonstrated his awareness of repayment for sins committed in Leviticus and committed to risking his own fortunes to repay those hurt in our society.
Not only did Jesus share food with those who others might exclude, but apparently according to the Scriptures, Jesus entered into the meals with gusto. In Luke 7:34 he gained the reputation of being a “glutton and a drunkard.” If you were counseling with a prominent pastor about such behavior, what would you advise?
WHEN WE SPEAK OF THE LORD’S TABLE
In light of such examples, what questions does it raise about the history of the church’s practice of communion? I respect and practice many of the traditions surrounding the way in which we celebrate communion. I do wonder, however, if we may have violated Jesus’ practices of who was invited to share in the meal. Do we exclude those who do not meet our religious standards (Pharisee)? Can you imagine making a special effort to celebrate such a meal at a house of prostitution or a gambling hall? Do outsiders, having watched our Eucharist go and spread the rumor that we are just a gathering of gluttons and drunkards.
A CLOSED TABLE
Are we in danger of excluding the very types of people that Jesus included? Even more interesting, what do you think would be the effect on society if all the churches practiced such hospitality. Do you suppose that being “ambassadors of reconciliation,” calls on us to reach out in such a manner?
NOT SURE I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT. JESUS SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE
UPSETTING THE STANDARDS OF OUR SOCIETY.
