Finding the holy in places others may not see.

Tucked under the pines of Colorado is a mountain home with a large wooden table. The table has seen many family gatherings, has been cluttered with many projects, and has been a place of temporary storage as the owner sorts through a life that once filled two homes and an RV.

One evening, the table was cleared once again for a meal. With plenty of food to eat, the owner invited a neighbor couple over to share at the table. Over the simple meal, conversations flowed about children and grandchildren, stories were told of memories the two couples shared, and discussions were held about the events of the world.

There was no talk about God or Jesus. But if generosity and hospitality are part of God’s character, than isn’t he present when those virtues are?

The Gospel narrative makes meals shared together a holy and consecrated time. Jesus sharing meals with the irreligious. Jesus breaking bread with the outcasts. Jesus passing the cup of wine to a group of unlikely people he called friends.

And when Jesus, with his audacious generosity and abundant hospitality, is at the table, the table is holy. The kingdom of heaven among us. In the meals eaten together, in the time spent around the table together, in the conversations, the stories and the discussions.

Finding Jesus in the places others may not see.