FOOD FOR US COMES FROM OUR RELATIVES, WHETHER THEY HAVE WINGS OR FINS OR ROOTS. THAT IS HOW WE CONSIDER FOOD. FOOD HAS A CULTURE. IT HAS A HISTORY. IT HAS A STORY. IT HAS RELATIONSHIPS.

WINONA LADUKE

How good is food? We take food for granted several times a day. We sometimes eat alone, or we eat with others. Mealtimes are valuable and powerful times of connection. Conversations happen, news is shared, announcements are made, celebrations occur, and relationships are built.

Food brings people together. Have you ever noticed how much Jesus loved food? Jesus ate with sinners, pharisees, His disciples at the last supper and after His resurrection. He often used food in His parables like in the seed and the sower, the vine and the branches and even in His miracles like the feeding of the five thousand.

Feeding ourselves both physically and spiritually is a fundamental aspect of our life and is very important for our own personal development. It strengthens us and sustains us. Somewhere along the line this fundamental nourishment has become an inconvenience with some adopting the attitude of ‘get it over with’ so we can get on with life.

Food, both divine and earthly, is our life source. It is where we get our strength and energy to do what is required of us and fulfil our daily responsibilities and commitments.

Sharing this food is a valuable time of connection with ourselves and others. Take the opportunities to talk with those around you and share about life, about the day, about the good times. Some of the most memorable moments people talk about when reflecting back is often of times gathered with friends and family over a meal; laughing, sharing stories and being present with one another.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

When was the last time you invited someone to share a meal?

When was the last time a meal was more than just food but a life-giving source of nourishment?

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 1, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill.