[THE APPETIZER – A THEOLOGY OF THE TABLE ::: WEEK 2]

“A family is a group of people who eat the same thing for dinner.” (Nora Ephron) 

It is significant that Peter’s restoration as a friend and future leader of the first community of Christians takes place while sharing breakfast with Jesus. Have you ever noticed this? The gospel of John culminates with a poignant, intimate scene between friends who love each other deeply, with the resurrected Jesus cooking breakfast, reconciliation with one of his closest allies on his heart. “When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread…Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:9,12). Perhaps Christ’s example can motivate us to intentionally welcome someone we love, but with whom relationship has been broken, to join us at the table again. You would be amazed at how healing this simple invitation can be. Invite a friend to share a table with you, using the spiritual practice of “Imagining the Text: Ignatian Contemplation” to imaginatively enter into the scene of John 21:1-14.