Every potluck my top priority was to ensure I got some of MaryJo’s meatloaf!
It was something special; savory, succulent, tender meat that practically dissolved in your mouth. Perhaps I should admit that I’d show up early and help set-up before each community meal, this was in fact meatloaf recon. I was scouting out where on the self-serve smorgasbord line MaryJo’s masterpiece would be displayed.
After many meals and inquires MaryJo shared the secret to her recipe; breadcrumbs. The recipe was handed-down from her grandmother who would add in breadcrumb to stretch out the ration of meat she could afford. MaryJo’s wise grandma was literally ‘making ends meet/meat!’ The delicious result was that the bread crumb would help keep the meat moist, that was why I never needed a knife. Another plus- not only did the breadcrumbs mixed into the meat make the amount of meat last for a greater number of servings, also each portion of the meat stayed good longer. Ingenuity at its’ finest.
Bread sustains us. The Bread of Life IS the best thing for us to feast on. The Body of Christ feeds us the spiritual nourishment we crave and desperately need. Partaking of everyday bread empowers us to become what we are nourished by, that is to be the Body of Christ! In breaking bread together there is power beyond description rising up like yeast. Some conversations around a dinner table can feel more like the kneading of the dough. A community meal with the faithful is fellowship of the saints, is the binding together of the ligaments of the Body of Christ. And like the bread in MaryJo’s meatloaf, the Bread of Life should be an integral part of our every portion.
Sometimes Jesus miraculously appears in a fearfully locked upper room, sometimes in a homecooked meatloaf! Our daily bread lasts us for the day, a little can go a long way. Where will Christ show up this week? Who will you invite to your dinner table? How will you be an integral part of the Body of Christ today?! Are you hungry? Come to the Table and eat the life giving grain.