By Sister Michele Morek

In the readings for a recent Sunday in August we heard from Proverbs (9:1-6) that Wisdom built herself a house. After completing it, what is the first thing she did? She dressed the meat, mixed the wine, and spread her table. Then she sent invitations to all in the city to join her at her table. In other words, she got ready to feed people! First things first.

What would you say is the most important part of your house? Some might say the kitchen table. A favorite childhood memory of mine is about the times when my mom and I would move into a new apartment. After getting our library cards and having the utilities turned on, we would unpack the kitchen stuff, upend a crate to sit on, and have our first meal; that would make the new house a home.

There is nothing more human than the activity of eating together. For that matter, many animals – birds, reptiles, insects, primates – use bonding rituals that involve food sharing. A mother feeding her child – unborn and after birth – with her very substance; a bride and groom feeding each other wedding cake; what better expression of love?

I remember an Italian grandmother who would yell “Manja! Manja!” (Eat! Eat!) at everyone who came to visit. I think of Sister Joyce Cecil’s mother, who covered the table with a full meal when we just stopped by in midafternoon – right after lunch!  I remember going to the Acoma Pueblo Fiesta when all the families were at home and visitors (especially visiting Ursuline Sisters!) were expected to go into each house to be fed, whether you could hold any more or not.

So, it is not surprising that Jesus presented himself to us as food and drink. Angela loved the Eucharist. I read that in her youth she became a Third Order Franciscan so she could receive the Eucharist more often.

And it is not surprising that one of the first stories in our MSJ Ursuline history is about how we were fed watermelon and buttermilk by welcoming neighbors.

What role did the kitchen table play in your household?

What are some of your favorite memories of dining with friends or family?