By Mark Maher
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another.” (1 Peter 4:8-9)
The dinner table is the place of connection centered around what everyone loves; food. Even Jesus knew the value of dinner and hospitality. He led by example. Fellowship and conversation, tough to come by these days in our busy society.
Christ modeled all through the gospels, the spirit of hospitality. Jesus went to Zaccheus house for dinner (a tax collector who was despised in his community). “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
Jesus was not someone who invited only those that were deemed acceptable. He invited the outcast, the rejected, the widowed, the poor, isolated, the lonely, and the sinner. This is who Jesus invites and says “come, you are welcome here.”
The dinner table is a great vehicle for us to connect to others and love on others. “Hospitality should have no other nature than love.” Henrietta Mears.
Oftentimes when we reflect on who means the most to us in our lives, we come back to family. What’s one of the best ways to connect with family? Well, everyone needs to eat. So food is the gateway to even the busy persons soul.
We go back to our past generations and recognize what they knew all along. It’s about surrounding the table with our presence and connecting through food. Last Supper, called to Christ’s table in communion, He meets us at the table, He is the host, all are welcome at His table, we find sustenance for our faith.
“The heart of hospitality, for me, is the ability to focus completely and totally on one person, even if only for a matter of seconds, yet long enough that you’ve got a clear connection, a channel between the two of you.” Micah Solomon
When love shows up, God shows up. The love at the table is the place where God is present. Lead off the meal with a prayer and God is present.
If you live long enough, you will recognize that a lot of friends will come and go. The bond of your family is eternal. Take every opportunity to connect with your family, and through a meal and gracious hospitality will be your best vehicle for quality connection. Utilize this vehicle.
1. When was the last time you opened up your home for others to come over to eat? How did it make you feel?
2. What spiritual attributes do you gain when you open your house up and allow people to come around the dinner table?
3. Let’s get practical. This Sunday let’s plan a dinner. Choose an hour and a half interval. What are you going to serve? Will you make it potluck? Who are you going to invite?
