Tables have been significant throughout history. While it is an inanimate object, think of all the things that happen at a table – Meals, deals, games, crafting! The table can be a place for prayer, writing, creating, examination, surgery, cooking, decision-making, puzzling, reading, and the list continues. A table can serve to bring people together as a place for reconciliation. It has great power and potential. A table is a place where things happen!
Did you know that the word “table” is found over 136 times in the Bible? Do you know the meaning of the Table? It is a symbol of a variety of things, such as hospitality, fellowship, and abundance. In the Bible, it is where Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper. It is also significant in the Bible because it is where we learn God’s plan for salvation. In the Book of Exodus, there is a description of how to make a table or an altar. The Israelites were commanded to set this table for their God every day. (see Exodus 25:23-30) They did this to show reverence and honor Him.
This same table was also a place where they would gather to share their blessings, as we do today. There is even a behavior code for the table, some of us are seated and some of us serve. As a disciple, Luke describes the servant in Luke 22: 25-30, “He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you, it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is as the servant? For who is greater: the one seated at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” In the Bible, there are several places where you must be worthy to sit at the table. Who sits at the head of the table? Usually, it is the head of the household. Who sits at the right hand of this head of the table? This is a place of great honor!
Often many of us are very busy and don’t take the time to sit at the table much less set the table. We are too busy to sit across from another person to listen, talk, make plans, and be hospitable. We may have forgotten that eating at the table with your family is a way to bond and bring things to light. As we prepare to enter the Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas season, take time to set the table!
Reflect on and talk about all the delightful things that take place at that table. Make your table a place where all are welcome, where blessings overflow. Talk, pray, and seek forgiveness from your family at the table. There are even more blessings that await you at the Table of God. All are welcome at His Table, take your seat and go to Mass together. If you haven’t been in a while, rest assured, you are invited and you are most welcome.
Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:
Psalm 23:5 – You set a table before me as my enemy’s watch.
Matthew 9:10 – While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
Daniel Chapter 1 – The Food Test!
Exodus 25:23-30 – You shall also make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Plate it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it. Surround it with a frame, a handbreadth high, with a molding of gold around the frame. You shall also make four rings of gold for it and fasten them at the four corners, one at each leg, on two holders for the poles to carry the table. These poles for carrying the table you shall make of acacia wood and plate with gold. Of pure gold, you shall make its pitchers and bowls for pouring libations. On the table, you shall always keep showbread set before me.
Here are a few prayers for you to share at your table:
The Hand That Made the Hands
For the hands that tilled,
for the hands that harvested,
for the hands that processed,
for the hands that transported,
for the hands that stocked,
for the hands that sold,
for the hands that bought,
for the hands that prepared,
for the hands that will hold,
for the hand that made the hands,
our hearts are forever grateful.
Amen.
(Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be our Table, Wild Goose 2003)
Litany of Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ.
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food and drink, our homes, and families, and our friends.
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve.
We thank you, Lord.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play.
We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity.
We thank you, Lord.
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice.
We thank you, Lord.
For the communion of saints, in all times and places.
We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer)