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The amazing and the simple (20 April)

Luke 24: 39-42 (NRSV)

39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

The amazing and the simple…

I wonder – Who have you eaten with? Where have you eaten? And what you have eaten? – as you have marked the beginning of the Easter season.

I ask these questions because I have been drawn to the meal scenes that feature in the Gospel accounts of the risen Christ appearing amongst his disciples. Particularly, how Christ amazingly appearing to his disciples, and as they are recovering from the shock, simply asking them if they have something there for him to eat!

That meal theme has stayed with me these last few days, as I have checked out the website of a Middle Eastern restaurant, I am due to visit next week.

The restaurant website speaks of food in Middle Eastern culture as being – “…much more than just fuel—it’s a cornerstone of society. Sharing food is a sign of love and friendship, as well as a popular way to do business.” This served to remind me once again, of the significance of meals in Christ’s Middle Eastern cultural context and therefore his ministry.

In reflecting on Middle Eastern culture, my thoughts are drawn back to the very first Easter Sunday playing out, which fills me with hope.

I then find myself giving thanks for the amazing Holy week and Easter Sunday services, and creative outreach initiatives and events, that have recently taken place in the EBA region and beyond. At the same time, I sense as all these amazing things are rightly celebrated, it is also important to encourage those feeling as though they have not managed do anything as seemingly worthwhile.

If that’s how you are feeling, I wonder if you provided a meal for someone that would otherwise have gone hungry or been alone? I wonder if as you ate with family, friends or neighbours and you shared stories and experiences, you encouraged and inspired? In other words, do not forget that Jesus did some of his most powerful work over simple meals too!

Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash