For centuries, people have shared family stories and renewed loyalties while nourishing their bodies in a common meal. A great deal of pastoral support also centers at crisis times around the sharing and eating of food. The act of eating together can nurture individuals and at the same time nurture the relationships among them. We proclaim this truth about the Eucharist, and sometimes it happens when families are gathered for holiday meals. The risen Lord is present there, too.
Mealtimes are especially important for very young children.
They need and want to be fed. And because they are like big sponges with the capacity to soak up the varieties of feelings surrounding every meal, the quality of personal relationships at mealtimes affects them whether or not we are aware of it. The same is true for them at church meals whether these be covered-dish suppers or Sunday Eucharist. And they can begin to understand that having something to ear and to drink at worship is a way Jesus shares his love for us, even though they cannot see him there. This is especially true for young children whose mealtimes at home are paired with love and care.