4 November.  Family meals can be successful, happy or disastrous, depending on the food and drink, who is present, what the mood is like and how the conversation is guided. “Have you ever considered setting a place for Jesus at the dinner table?  That might seem silly but it can be a visible sign of an invisible reality. “Like a sacrament you mean?” shouted Stuart who was always a bright spark. “In Luke’s gospel there are up to 16 stories of how Jesus ate with anyone, sometimes in large groups, but also in twos and threes, anywhere & everywhere – even with people who hated him!   At such meals he acted as a “Wisdom Figure,” providing food for thought along with food for the body.

Reflect, share, Scripture.    One Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees and they were watching him. Jesus said, “when you are invited do not sit down in a place of honour lest a more eminent man than you be invited. Everyone one who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  From Luke 14:1,7-11. Pope Francis A family’s living space could turn into a domestic church, a setting for the eucharist, the presence of Christ seated at its table. AL 15   In the family we first learn how to show love and respect for life; we are taught the proper use of things, order and cleanliness, respect for the local ecosystem and care for all creatures.  We learn to ask without demanding, to say ”thank you” as an expression of genuine gratitude for what we have been given, to control our aggressivity and greed and ask forgiveness. LS 213   Action and prayer:  Plan to hold a family prayer meal and remember the needs of those we have loved and lost. (Search for a prayer meal outline on our website)