Taste and See

Hey y’all,

Each week when we meet for staff meeting, Pastor Anita or I offer a reflection of some sort. We might offer a prayer, poem, psalm, or question. Recently, we asked everyone what the best meal (or one of the best meals) they had ever eaten. The answers varied. Some of us shared about fancy meals we had eaten at Michelin star restaurants. Others shared about a recent local meal that blew them away. One person shared about a really good sandwich they had made recently. In many of the stories about the meals, a common theme was the people we ate them with. The act of gathering around the table with other people made the already great meal better.

The Bible has a lot to say about meals. Offering someone a meal is an essential act of hospitality. Like when Abraham and Sarah welcomed strangers on the road around their table for a meal not knowing they were angels. Food is a way to experience the goodness of God. The psalmist says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Meals allow for collective remembrance and nourishment for the journey ahead. Jesus gathered his disciples around the table for a last meal together before his arrest and crucifixion. He gave them instructions for how to continue to partake the meal in remembrance of him and in witness to Jesus’ way of life and love.

A question I often like to ask people is, “What kind of bread do you think Jesus is?” I usually get varying answers. A lot of people like to think Jesus is a lovely, sweet Hawaiian roll. Others appreciate a good, crusty sour dough Jesus. Some say Jesus has to be gluten free. I personally prefer to think of Jesus as a warm buttermilk biscuit—hearty and reliable. Different churches use different types of bread for communion. Most probably use the same bread or cracker each time they partake. But, there is something to be said for mixing it up and experiencing different flavors each time.

Keith and I pastored a youth camp a few years ago and each morning we had the students take communion with different elements. One morning was a traditional juice and plain cracker. The next day we did Oreos and lemonade. The morning after that, scones and hot tea. After that, goldfish and Hawaiian punch. Finally, biscuits and orange juice. We did this because we wanted the students to realize that whenever they gathered around the table with folks, Jesus was there too. It didn’t matter what they were eating. It didn’t matter if “the table” was a snack on the go or a bench in the park. If they were gathering with others, Jesus was there with them. Jesus was present and providing the nourishment they needed to continue following his way of life and love.

My friends, I invite you to think about the best meal you’ve ever had. What made it the best? Was it the food? Was it the people? Was it the environment? As you reflect, ask yourself if you experienced God in that moment.

I love good food. I love good food shared with good people. Some of the holiest moments of my life have been around the table. Some of the times I’ve felt closest to God have been around the table. As you enjoy your next meal whether it is with people or not, I hope you “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Peace,

Rev. Leigh