So He went in to stay with them. It happened that, while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. (Luke 24:30-34)
The resurrection of Jesus is vague to some. Even some of the apostles doubted. The gauge of belief is seeing face-to-face and talking personally.
Jesus used the table to prove his resurrection. The table is tantamount to food and meal. Jesus gave the utmost value of the meal among His family, friends, and His apostles. He used the meal to prove His new life from death and to boost the moral and spiritual confidence of his apostles.
Food is a basic need. Food means life. Food is eaten on the table. The table therefore is symbolic of communion and intimacy.
The table that speaks of agape was emphasized by Jesus during His public ministry, before He died, and during the Easter apparitions.
In the public ministry of Jesus, He always made it a point that His apostles and the people entrusted to Him do not go hungry. The ways of Jesus are indeed integral in approach. He does not leave His followers in hunger. But looks for the material needs of His people. But above all, He used food to lead them to the food of the soul.
14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” He said. 19 And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about 5,000 men, besides women and children. (Mathew 14)
Before Jesus died He used the table to purify His apostles, to teach them about leadership as service, to institute priesthood as service, and establish the table of the Holy Eucharist.
‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’14 When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table.
15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”17 After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.(Luke 22)
Unceasing prayers for the complete healing of Fr. Benedict Castañeda, Fr. Michael Tokoyen, Fr. Brayle Bagyan, Helen Castañeda, Ferdinand Castañeda, Caren Kiwang, Katleen Oya-oy, Karen Chinalpan.
Healing prayers for the traumatized Bontoc fire victims and big hope for their recovery. Peaceful conflict settlement of Bugnay and Betwagan, Bekigan and Butbut, Mabungtot and Lubuagan in Kalinga and Mountain Province.
Reach me at [email protected].
