At Table with the Lord

A family meal is more than just a feed.

It’s a time when we, as family members of whatever age or state of life, deepen our love for each other. We eat together not just to nourish our bodies, but to nourish our relationship as a family. We ‘feed’ each other by spending time together, listening to one another, praying ‘thanks’ for our blessings and sharing in the preparation of the meal.

A family meal doesn’t have to be elaborate. It doesn’t have to be perfect or done a certain way. It just has to be a sincere attempt to say: I love you, we belong, we believe.

Above all, family meals need to be a priority. Not just for families with young children, but for all of us. And not just on special occasions, but on the ordinary days as well.

Without prioritising, planning and effort, this precious part of our family life can easily be overrun by sports, work, hobbies, study, household chores, TV or computer games.

‘Grace before meals’ is one of the simplest ways for a family to pray together. Usually it is a short prayer giving thanks for the meal. However, saying ‘grace’ does more than just thank God; it invites God to be present during your meal.

Excerpt from “Family: A Feast of Love”,  The Story Source, Teresa Pirola

Author: Teresa Pirola

As featured in the June 2011 edition of CathFamily E-Magazine. For more articles, activities and prayers check out:

• God is Here: the Eucharist
• Corpus Christi Bleach Banner
• Meals Matter!
• Corpus Christi Stained Glass Window Activity