You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Psalm 23:5
Throughout scripture there are many references to events happening around a table.
Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple while turning the tables over. He went to the home of a Pharisee to have lunch and found himself in the company of those who might be considered the least in society. Another time he was reclining at the table when a women came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume and poured it on His head. And finally, Jesus called the disciples together on the night He was betrayed to have a final meal around a table in the upper room. Approximately 76 references to tables can be found throughout the bible.
Many lessons can be learned at the table as they were in the days of Jesus. Conversations at the table can lead to better understanding. Perhaps it is time to get back to basics. There are two basic principles that can be found throughout the great spiritual writings of history. The first, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” The second, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” You can’t get anymore basic than these laws and commandments. I pray that every parent and grandparent will take the time to have a conversation around these life sustaining principles. Our society is filled with so much vitriol, prejudice, racism and hatred. The time has come to turn it around, just as Jesus did when he turned the tables over on thE thieves and robbers. The time has come for us to turn the tables on violence, racism and hate. We can do it!!!!!!!!!!
You may ask yourself, what is the blessing in this writing? Well, the blessing is that you and I have another chance to be the hands and feet of the God of the universe, who exalts valleys, brings mountains and hills to a low place, makes the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. It’s not too late, yet. Thanks be to the God of second, third, fourth, ………….. chances.
Dr. James Calhoun
As We Gather At Your Table (FWS 2268) (Carl P. Daw, Jr.)
As we gather at your table, as we listen to your word,
help us know, O God, your presence; let our hearts
and minds be stirred. Nourish us with sacred story till
we claim it as our own; teach us through this holy
banquet how to make Love’s victory known.
Turn our worship into witness in the sacrament of life;
send us forth to love and serve you, bringing peace
where there is strife. Give us, Christ, your great compassion
to forgive as you forgave; may we still behold your
image in the world you died to save.
Gracious Spirit, help us summon other guests to share
that feast where triumphant Love will welcome those
who had been last and least. There no more will envy
blind us nor will pride our peace destroy, as we join with
saints and angels to repeat the sounding joy.
Amen