What is your favorite food? Favorite restaurant? Favorite memory of a special meal? What makes it special?
We humans aren’t the only animals on the planet to love food. But the way we enjoy it is something that I believe is a uniquely human experience.
Of course, we don’t just gather/kill our food and start eating it. Aside from fruits and some veggies, it usually needs to be cooked, after all. But we don’t stop there. We marinate it, season it with spices, and layer it with other combinations of foods to bring out the best flavors.
We savor it.
But although that may separate us from most animals, the experience doesn’t stop there. We like to eat in community. Sure, many animals eat together, too. But when I was growing up, I don’t think our cat Molly ever said to the other cats, “Hey, Zorro! Angel! Abby Tabby! Our humans just filled our bowl! Come and eat with me so I don’t have to eat alone.” No, they all came and ate when they could because they were hungry and didn’t want to miss out. Whereas we humans will often wait for each person to get their food before we dive in. We invite each other over for dinner, go out to fun restaurants, pig out at special events and holidays, pass the popcorn back and forth during a movie, and eat s’mores around a campfire.
Why do we do this?
Because there’s something special about eating together. It bonds us together for some reason. Maybe it’s the conversation. Maybe it’s sharing the experience of delicious food, or a special time or place (like a holiday or wedding). Maybe it’s because as our belly is filled, so is our soul.
Whatever the explanation, Jesus seemed to know that community is formed around food. When thousands gathered to listen to him speak, He didn’t just fulfill their physical need for nourishment. They experienced a miracle together. I imagine that in the days of the early church, some believers would say to each other things like “Hey, were you there the day Jesus fed all of us from some kid’s lunch?” “Yeah, that was amazing! God can do anything!” And this would bond them together even more.
The night before His death, He shared a meal with His disciples. He poured out His heart to them, saying “This is my body, broken for you,” and “This is my blood, poured out for you.” They caught a glimpse of how much He loved them. In the days of the early church after His resurrection and ascension, they made this experience a tradition. The new believers and disciples would bond regularly over remembering His sacrifice. They would share His love with each other and nourish their souls.
We still do this today, over 2,000 years later. We take communion in church. We feast with potlucks before or after church. And we get together for meals (or ice cream!) during the week.
We form community. Relationships. Bonds that are strengthened over time, or break our hearts when they’re broken. We experience His love through each other.
Amen! Now let’s eat!
About the Author
Jessie is a novice writer, with several books in various stages and a blog about travel and the journeys of women. She is very excited to be a part of the CitySalt blog team. She has been blessed by a few communities of Christian writers that have encouraged her dream. She lives with her sweet husband, Chris, their 5 funny kids, and 1 fluffy cat in Springfield. She loves hiking and other outdoor and indoor adventures with her family.