Come and Eat: Table Fellowship as a Fundamental Form of Diakonia

• Main Author: Erica Meijers
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht Verlage 2019-12-01
• Series: Diaconia
• Online Access: https://vr-elibrary.de/doi/10.13109/diac.2019.10.1.85

One of the ways Jesus lived his message of the coming Kingdom was through table fellowship. In modern society, where religious and cultural diversity is growing, our daily bread can be a source of both separation and solidarity. Can table fellowship today be an adequate answer to the societal challenges diaconal practices are confronted with? This article explores the field of meal sharing from a diaconal-theological perspective. First, it describes a meal-sharing project in The Hague, the Table of Hope, as an example of the popular practice of meal sharing in diaconal contexts in The Netherlands. It then explores the hermeneutical relationship between the Eucharist and Diakonia, and between table fellowship and Diakonia, by drawing on the writings of Calvin and the discussion on Diakonia within the ecumenical movement. Thereafter, the question is raised how meal sharing in diaconal contexts might contribute to three current societal debates: food, social segregation, and religious and philosophical diversity. The article concludes that meal sharing deserves serious attention from diaconal theology, since it is a promising practice for engagement in society and enjoys support within different theological traditions. The nature of the triangular relationship of table fellowship, Diakonia, and the Eucharist needs further research. When searching for relevant diaconal practices of meal sharing in today’s changing world, recalling the passion of Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the longing for the coming Kingdom in the Eucharist can prove to be meaningful guides.