Preparation Before the Meal and Mass

In the same spirit, marking a transition between the day’s activities and eating is a necessary act for a truly satisfying meal. Take for example: washing hands, changing clothes, and nibbling on appetizers.

These gestures break the pace that we run through the day. The day is spent in rushing, worries, and excitement. But eating together calls us to a friendly, warm, relaxing atmosphere.

The transition is needed so that we find human decency as Children of God. It really raises our self esteem.

We owe that decency to ourselves, and we owe that to our guests. It is up to the host, the head of the table, or the head of the family to make sure that the dinner atmosphere is conducive to good digestion and good conversation.

Body language is important since it affects those around us. Sometimes we eat with our caps on, our phones in sight, our television on. But those objects mean protection, work, and entertainment of other sorts. They also mean pride, status, and hyperactivity. All these things do not belong in the dining room. The dining room is where one accepts, cares, and rejoices about shared food and shared conversation.

Look at how the Bible asks the faithful to not come to the altar before he reconciles with his brother… And the altar is where the Bread of Eternal life is both shared and eaten...  Look at how Holy Communion is reserved to those who are in unity within the community of the Church.

Thus, to sit at a common table, one must have a desire to take action for harmony in the community.

So putting on a fresh shirt, setting a nice table, and moving to another room are all actions that honor proper human eating.

They also prepare us for the state of mind we must have when we approach the table of the Lord.