The Sacred Act of Dining

REVERENCE BEFORE FOOD

by Fr Timothy Warren

St Francis ISM

A quote from a Korean series caught my attention: “You must be reverent before food.”

Korea has experienced famines during its long and turbulent history, and food is not taken for granted. Like other Asian and Middle Eastern cultures—and similar to the New Orleans culture into which I was born—Korea views a meal as an event to be cherished and shared with others.

Food is not only a necessity for life; it is an event that draws people together to enjoy in community. This is one reason I receive great pleasure in hosting people in my home for a meal. I put effort into planning the menu, presentation, table setting, and creating a welcoming ambiance.

It’s not mere coincidence that the culminating act in Sacramental worship is the weekly Holy Eucharist. We are reverent before the spiritual food represented in the bread and wine. The host of the sacred meal is Christ himself, manifested in the priest who presides at the Table. All are welcome to Christ’s table, which has been carefully set, and the presentation of the blessed elements is accomplished with attention to detail. Fine linen covers the table, the chalice and paten are positioned with care, the candles are lit, the priest is vested in Eucharistic garb, and the invitation is given for all to receive Christ.

Let us learn what it means to be truly reverent before food as we faithfully gather around Christ’s table to be nourished spiritually in the Blessed Sacrament.