.
I had a few friends in for lunch yesterday giving me the opportunity to prepare some of my favourite nibbles, and even to share some of the cheese (mozzarella) I’ve enjoyed making recently.
I had a little panic moment soon before they arrived realising I should have checked whether any of them had dietary requirements. But once they arrived they happily devoured the food with not an allergy mentioned…
…apart from the hay fever with itchy eyes the main symptom.
I wonder how many hay fever sufferers and gluten or dairy intolerant people were present for Jesus’ teaching on the hillside overlooking the lake. How many had allergies to the loaves and fish he served, and how many went left early because the lakeside lupins were playing havoc with their sinuses.
Funny that the scriptures today also got me thinking along these lines.
What a promise when we hear from Isaiah that the heavenly banquet will “be prepared for all peoples, a banquet of rich food. a banquet of fine wines, of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.” All (because it is heavenly) without fear of allergic reactions.
And in the Gospel the abundance theme continues: “They all ate as much as they wanted…”
Again, no allergies.
Which got me thinking about the allergies I sometimes have with people I find difficult. What if life with God also healed me of all my allergies of anger and lack of forgiveness. I need to think about that…
But a great way to heal tension between people is to sit at table over great food and drink lovingly prepared.
Even with just a hint of good-will and openness eating together can be a transformative experience.
Now there’s a real Advent challenge.
You might like to try it – offering a meal (or even a coffee) invite where there is need for healing.
+++
Take an initiative and send me a date time and place for a FFF cafe-catchups. john@fff.org.nz. I’ll advertise these on each morning’s post throughout Advent.
Lower Hutt
Wed 10 December 10am
Shine Cafe
2 Waterloo Rd, Hutt Central. Catherine
New Plymouth
Wednesday 3 December 1.30pm
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road
New Plymouth 1:30pm. Joan
New Plymouth
Wednesday 10 December 10.30am
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road
New Plymouth. Joan
New Plymouth
Thursday 18 December 1.30pm
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road
New Plymouth. Joan
I think Jesus said, “Even a cup of coffee in my name”?
I hadn’t thought of an allergy to some people Fr John. Needed that probe roday. Thanks. Certainly food for thought & FFF!
What a great banquet that will be and one I certainly look forward too. In the meantime I make the most of the abundant food blessing God provides and so enjoy sharing this with friends and family and also with those who are in need or who are strangers who I welcome into my home to break bread together with me.
Thanks again for this thought-provoking reflection, especially at this time of year when hospitality is part of the season. In fact, I often us e the term the sacrament of the cup of tea. Chris
Been there, done that, and it works wonderfully.
When I was young, I couldn’t remember anyone having allergies. We took anything to school from peanut butter to eggs, my favourite, dripping sandwiches. etc for lunch. No one had a problem, and I suspect it was the same in Jesus’ time. Food allergies seem to be a modern ailment. Allergies to people and ideas, etc, are as old as humanity.