Remembering Sunday Dinner

Acts 2:42,46b-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)

How many of us remember Sunday dinner as it once was? The savour of a roast of beef simmering in the oven, the fresh vegetables, and oh! those mashed potatoes all smothered in homemade gravy. Then for dessert, there was that homemade apple pie with cheese or sometimes ice cream.

After worship, all of the family would gather together for Sunday dinner, not only to eat, but also to have fellowship, and to talk and laugh together.

All this was brought to mind when I was reading an article about today's society. There has been such a change. The article mentioned how customs have moved away from Sunday dinner, to fast-food vendors, restaurant meals, and skipping church in favour of the activities of greater interest.

This article mentioned how people could be leaving church, and in the parking lot, ordering a pizza over their cell phone. That was lunch — but what has happened to Sunday dinner and all that togetherness?

Families today don't seem to have time to spend together, for they are more active in organized athletic games and many other activities that are a must in today's society.

As for Sunday dinner, that's old-fashioned in a community where many young people don't even attend a church. They feel no need to take time out to worship a God that they really don't know and don't have time for.

The early church people were known for the fellowship that they enjoyed in each others' homes. It was part of their outreach. Those who know the Lord today need to take this example seriously and invite believers and non-believers alike, family, neighbours, and friends, for Sunday dinner, as a means of reaching out in the Lord's name.

Prayer: Most gracious loving Father, may we not give up hope for those who live in a changed world that busies them no end. God of grace, grant us wisdom to think of creative ways to reach out to those who have been taken in by the ways of Satan. We pray for all, in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

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