By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications
Our family has entered a season of gathering at the table. Beginning with some family birthdays last month and continuing until Christmas, we will continue to gather with friends and family—for holidays and celebrations and other ordinary moments in between.
For life in general, we might see an ongoing sequence of gathering at tables—for a meal or coffee, for a meeting or conversation, for play or puzzles, for worship or fellowship.
Whenever we gather with others, each of us has something to bring and to share. Most commonly, we might bring a favorite dish or a beloved family recipe, but we also bring ourselves and all that we carry—our hopes, our dreams, our concerns, our cares. Not all of these things need to be expressed, but as we pass the rolls, there are times when we should not pass on the opportunity to be heard and supported by people we care about and trust.
In his life and ministry, Jesus had a habit of gathering around tables. He met with people from all walks of life—some who invited him and others whom Jesus requested to join. We might think of when Jesus had a meal with tax collectors and brushed off the ridicule by the Pharisees (Matthew 9:10-13). Or perhaps the time when a host offered minimal hospitality to Jesus and a woman washed his feet with expensive oil and her hair (Matthew 26:6-13). We might also consider the times when Jesus fed people by the thousands and they sat in family groups with minimal table accommodations (Matthew 14:13-21; 15:29-38). Or perhaps there is another “table moment” from the ministry of Jesus that is captivating to you. In all of these moments, Jesus served as host and guest, inviting others to do the same.
This posture also holds true as we consider Jesus gathering at the table with his disciples for his last meal (John 13:1-17). We remember that, as they reclined at the table, Jesus first washed their feet and then they broke bread together. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, offered himself as the servant of all and invited them to remember the bread and the wine as symbols of how we are fed by his life.
We remember that evening when Jesus shared with his disciples as we look to the table of communion. Though we may think of this ordinance and the elements as symbolic—and they certainly are—we also believe that when two or more are gathered, so also is the Lord gathered among us (Matthew 18:20). Some might call it sacramental, but at the least, we are embracing the mystery of what Jesus did in his life and ministry and remembering its significance for us today. As we share in the bread and the cup, we remember the gift of Jesus for the life the world. We partake of bread and wine or grape juice and recognize how God provides for earthly needs—for us and for others who join us.
Every time we gather around a table, something sacred is happening. Every gathering is an opportunity to share and to receive. As we are together, there is always enough to go around and each of us has something unique to share. At the table, we can recognize and honor all that each of us brings. No matter what table we find ourselves gathering at in this season, may we enjoy the blessings of food upon it and the fellowship with people around it. Whether it be for a picnic with family, a celebration with friends, a time of play, a meal at home, or even a time of reflection on our own— may we find the Lord present with us as we gather at the table.
Gathering at the table is important for the life of faith and for the work of the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more about our shared work at www.brethren.org/greatthings or support our ministry today at www.brethren.org/give .
