1 Corinthians 10:21b

"You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons." 

Reflection by Shawnthea Monroe

Last fall, when my husband took a job out-of-state, I suddenly became a part-time single parent.  To deal with the stress and drama this caused in our household, I instituted a policy of MFM—mandatory family meals.  Everyday, my two adolescent children sit down with me to break bread—or  Pop-Tarts or pizza, as the case may be.  They rebelled at first, but now my son and daughter look forward to the daily ritual of food and conversation.   This is not an easy routine to keep up with all our various obligations and activities, but I think it's worth it.

Studies have shown that family meals have a positive effect on children, especially adolescents.  Children who eat with their families more than five times a week do better in school, have higher self-esteem, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.  Researchers believe this is due to the emotional bond formed during meals.  Something about being around the table helps children make life-affirming choices.

Paul knew the power of the table.  Writing to the church in Corinth, he assures them that anyone who communes with Christ cannot commune with demons.  There is something about the bond that is formed over that meal that leads us towards the light.  And like those meals with our children, the more we commune together, the stronger we become. 

So what are we waiting for?  Let's sit down and eat. 

Prayer

Gracious God, may all who gather at your table be blessed.  Amen.

About the Author Shawnthea Monroe is Senior Minister, Plymouth Church, United Church of Christ, Shaker Heights, Ohio, and is the co-author of Living Christianity: A Pastoral Theology for Today.

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