Eating Eucharistically

Waiting to eat with Jesus in the kingdom. With gratitude.

Every meal we eat is not the Eucharist, yet we can think eucharistically each time we eat.

Jesus’ words regarding the food he’s about to share are steeped in a kind of fondness for the act of eating. We usually miss this for the words of institution, so well known by most anyone who’s been to the table for a good number of times. Yet consider what he says at face value - I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it with you in my Father’s kingdom.

There is a longing here, an anticipated absence of something good and worthwhile. Not just the food - though the food is included - but the eating of it with loved ones.

This is the gratitude with which we can come to a meal.

Matthew 26:26-30

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Then, after singing songs of praise, they went to the Mount of Olives.

Prayer

Our father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.