Sharing a meal together

This year on July 19^th, ‘The big Lunch’ has been launched.

A nationwide event to encourage us to eat and share with our neighbours and those around us

 

The idea is that in streets, around tower blocks and on village greens, people will gather and eat together in a simple act of community. Some will provide food and flowers for the occasion, while others will create music and entertainment and decorate their streets. It aims to reconnect communities with themselves and put a smile on Britain’s face.

 

Eating and sharing together is perhaps the best way to get to know each other and the very offer of food to another is a way of giving life, sometimes quite literally. I wonder how well we know our neighbours, school communities etc. Or are we victims of a society which is becoming increasingly isolated in it’s involvement with others?

 

Jesus shared meals with many people in the Gospels. He met, talked, laughed and gave of himself (John 13) and also at times received from others (John 12). Jesus shows us that offering hospitality to each other is more than food, it about offering space where someone can be themselves and be valued for who they are.

 

As we approach ‘The big lunch’, can you get together with people around where you live and share a meal together? It may be that you feel you are too busy, can’t be bothered or it’s too frightening to ask someone, in case they say no? It can be as small or as large an event

 

Try and reflect upon what difference it would make, and how in times of joy/sadness, it is good to have people around who care and who we can call on. It can be as small or as large an event, look out for those who are less able and invite them too or look out for others who may be arranging an event near you and approach them to get involved.

 

If you feel you would like to pray, then do pray with me in this prayer