The Meal in Bible and Liturgy

Abstract

In the Bible, having a meal is not equal to filling one’s stomach. Far from it. Meals are held in high regard in the Bible. Because of that, meals have a special place in Jewish and Christian liturgy as well. In this article, I would like to sketch the outlines of the Biblical characteristics of meals. The main aspects go back to the Passover meal, which, in the Bible, functions as a basic model for all meals. Starting from the Passover meal, I would like to deal with the various aspects of meals in the Bible. I will mention four characteristics in particular: community, hospitality, liberation, and bread and wine. Subsequently, I would like to make clear that these Biblical elements have got their place in the celebration of the Eucharistic meal.