On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

Mark 14:12

The Passover was one of many feasts that the Jewish people celebrated together. Throughout the Old Testament and the history of Israel, God commanded his people to gather together to eat and drink and celebrate with one another. In the book of Leviticus, God actually orders seven feasts throughout the year.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus continues to show the importance of meals – both ritual ones and more casual. He goes through great efforts to prepare for one final meal with his disciples before he dies.

Ask God today for a deeper appreciation for meals and how God uses them to build community among a family, a neighborhood and a parish.