The sacredness of mealtimes, the table spread with abundance, issuing an invitation to commune together is the canvas upon which my creations and my passion for the epicurean can be placed. Jesus used this venue to demonstrate social justice – there was no one who he would not welcome there. Even those who betrayed him sat at table with him and received communion.
In the book Sunday Dinner, William Willimon writes “Because of the sacredness of meals, our ancestors in the faith saw meals and food as appropriate ways of being with God, as a means of celebrating the mystery of God’s presence.” (pg 15) Being with God and celebrating mystery are very appropriate ways to describe this tradition of meal times.
In my recent time spent in Old Montreal, some of my meals were eaten solo. The celebration of the mystery of God’s presence and being with God so accurately describes my dining experiences. “The Practice of the Presence of God”, words by Brother Lawrence, kept running through my mind.
The traffic hummed along Rue Notre Dame in the midday heat and humidity, while I walked at a slow pace taking in the sun, the diversity of languages and the beauty of the old part of this lively city. An alcove on my left drew my attention, and through the archway the sun highlighted a most peaceful and colourful little courtyard restaurant. If you are ever in Montreal try ASZU Bistro for a meal. Never have I experienced from a culinary aspect, and been surrounded by staff, that held such a sense of honor in guarding and inviting one to this place of tranquility, of colour, and rich foliage that whispered in the breeze! The elegance emerged from simplicity, natural light and greenery, and a sense of exclusion from the outside world. Staff moved quietly, with ease, with a sense of reverence for this oasis of tranquility that was entered into through a narrow stone archway with no fanfare. Perhaps the fragrance of tranquility was what drew me to stop for lunch. Or was it the contrast of hot summer breezes with the ice cold water and a simple slice of lemon floating in it and the mystery of beauty, nature, water, wind and foliage that invited me yet again to celebrate being with God, and yet knowing the mystery of the sacred table calls me to ask for more? The invitation to beauty was another ingredient in the potpourri of what created sacred space at the table.
It is not one isolated event, experience or vista but rather I find my soul seeking to “practice the presence of God” as I experience and let my senses inhale the details of this sacred mysterious place known as the table. This ancient tradition of the meal table invites us to wholeness, to sensuality, to community and to the practice of social justice. I find both the masculine and the feminine face of God in this sacred place of communion, beauty and simplicity.