Deacon John Writes:
Some thoughts about inviting friends to have a meal with us by an unknown author: “When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food and drink for their bodies. We offer them friendship and fellowship, we offer them good conversation and intimacy, and closeness. When we ask them to help themselves, to take some more, not to be shy, and maybe to have another glass, we offer our guests not only our food and drink, but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows between us, and we become like food and drink for one another. This happens in another way, when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. This can help us as we try to live in his way.”
Here is a follow-up prayer that comes from CAFOD which may help us to make sure that we also think of people in all parts of the world, and for whom finding food and drink is a daily struggle: “Generous and loving God, creator of the world we share, we ask you to give us today our daily bread. But as we store the crops and fill the barns, as we stack the shelves and pile high the tins, and wander the aisles of supermarket choice, show us how to see the world through the eyes of the hungry and thirsty. Teach us how to share our daily bread with all people, and to treat each other as members of one family.” With my love and prayers for you all