Come and Dine

Jesus said to them, 'Come and dine.' Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, 'Who are You?' — they knew that it was the Lord. — John 21:12

The words "Come and dine" jumped out at me recently. Jesus wants everyone to experience time spent with Him. Sharing food together is one of the most common ways we spend time with family and friends. It is a time to share our lives, the good, the bad, and everything in between. Why not spend time with Jesus?

It seems so easy — and yet spending time with Him can sometimes be elusive. As I go through my days, time seems to slip away. There is so much to keep me busy and distracted. I feel like I leave God out more than I want to. I need to be intentional — to stop, listen, and pray, keeping my communication with God ever more in the present time of in kairos.

As Paul says, "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want." (Romans 7:19) We know Paul was a great teacher and representative of Christ. His written letters in the New Testament give us so much to strengthen our walk with God. Paul lived on this earth—just like you and me. He no doubt experienced much of what we go through, and more. I find it encouraging that the struggle is shared by us all, past, present, and future. Paul testifies to the grace of God that we receive through our repentance.

Perhaps that is why the words "Come and dine" struck me in such a comforting and encouraging way. Jesus wants us to join Him at His table. Prayer is our way to communicate with Him, or dine with Him, whether through the daily prayers of a prayer book, extemporaneous prayer, the Jesus Prayer, or just silent reflection in His presence.

Jesus wants to spend time with you, with me, and with all the people of the world! His fatherly love, a love beyond any love we can know on earth, wants us to draw near to Him. His words, "Come and dine," could mean:

Come, sit with Me. 

Come, talk with Me. 

Come, receive My love. 

Come, take My hand. 

Come, share your life with Me.

Come, leave your burdens with Me. 

Come, I will give you peace. 

Come — I. Love. You.

I hope my meandering thoughts touch a chord with you and help you on your journey. We need each other. Most importantly, we need God. We are blessed to be part of a church where we can be nourished together in liturgy and prayer services, partaking of the blessed sacraments. Not least being the Eucharist, where we commune with Him directly.

The following words from the Epistle of Jude touched my heart. They are the concluding words of his greeting, but I will use them as my closing. May you be comforted in their simplicity, knowing that it is God from whom we receive these divine attributes:

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. — Jude 1:2

In the Love of Christ, 

Dana (Paisia)

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Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.