Blending intentional time with the LORD with Food's narrative symbolism, seasonal/local ingredients, and practicality for communal Lenten meals. Each week will include:
Scripture reading weekly reflection
- Opportunity to capture first-thought reflection and end-of-week reflection
- Blog posts
- Invitations to weekly Table practices
- Writing prompts
- Multiple ways to engage
- Recipes aligned with practices
- Share the meal or dine alone
Week Four: The Unseen Guest
Theme
The ones we overlook
Scripture
“As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.” - John 13:30 -
Culinary Symbolism for the Meal Ahead
Jesus shared meals with the unseen and forgotten. This dish is inspired by the post-resurrection meal in John 21, when Jesus cooked fish for the disciples who had returned to fishing, unaware that he was still among them.
First Reading Reflection
At the very meal where Jesus gave us the model of communion, betrayal was already present. Judas ate the bread and drank from the cup.
How does that disrupt our assumptions about who deserves a place at the table?
Jesus invited him, knowing who Judas was and his purpose.
Yet, he still broke bread with him. That is wild!
This first week, we consider the radical hospitality of Christ—who did not uninvite Judas,
even knowing what was coming.
Sometimes, people leave the table. Sometimes, they’re pushed out.
And sometimes, they slip away quietly, unnoticed until it’s too late.
This week is for the ones who are missing. For the people who have left our tables because of hurt, shame, or exclusion. Judas walked out into the night, and no one followed. No one stopped him.
Who do we need to notice before they slip away? Who are the unseen guests we’ve overlooked?
The church cannot afford to keep missing the ones who are halfway out the door.
Table Practice
Place a single lit candle in the center of the table to represent those who are not with you.
As you eat, leave space in the conversation to name the ones who feel absent, forgotten, or unseen.
Ask:
Who has left our table, and why?
What would it mean to seek them out?
Let the candle burn as a silent prayer for their return.
Writing Prompt for the Week
Who is missing from your table?
Write them a letter you may never send, expressing what you wish you’d said before they left.
Post Week Reflection
We look forward to hearing about your reflections on these experiences each week. Journal daily and share a piece of your journey with us that you feel comfortable sharing. Please be sure to use appropriate conduct and proper discretion. Feel free to email your responses to us at [email protected]
You help make our voice.
Together, WE collectively make up The Welcome Table.
Your voice IS important.
Week Four: Simple Fish Stew with Barley and Leeks
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 ½ cups cooked barley
4 cups fish or vegetable broth
1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia, or similar), cut into chunks
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté leeks, garlic, and carrots until softened.
Stir in cooked barley and broth. Bring to a simmer.
Add fish, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until fish is flaky.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
