Share the cuppa!

In the early days of Jesus' ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Him and told his own followers, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!". Andrew and his unnamed friend follow Jesus, at first at a distance—some might even say that they stalked him! It is when Jesus turns and simply demands "what do you want?" that they are forced to ask the question, "where do you live?" They are not simply wondering if Jesus lives at '37 Synagogue Terrace, Nazareth'--they are wanting to discover, for themselves, what makes Jesus tick. They want to find out why their mentor and friend has pointed him out so uniquely, and this can only be done by spending quality time with Jesus in his home. Jesus understands their need and does more than give directions to '37 Synagogue Terrace' like some sort of human 'satnav'. He makes the typical Palestinian gesture of welcome, "come and see!" Jesus issues the invitation to come and share the hospitality of his home—the Gospel records that 'they went and saw where he lived and stayed with him the rest of the day.' It is in the very context of enjoying that hospitality that these first disciples discover the beauty and strength of God's friendship: how can we possibly affirm that we love God if we do not know God. The history of Hebrew Scripture shows a people growing in their knowledge and love of God: they make plenty of mistakes, but God always comes to their aid to offer forgiveness and true friendship—even when they are starving in their confused wanderings through the desert of trial:

The Lord said to Moses, "Now I am going to cause food to rain down from the sky for all of you. The people must go out every day and gather enough for that day.

Even when there is no food and all is full of despair, the people of Israel, through the prophet Habakkuk, can cry a prayer of utmost trust—such is the level of their friendship with God:

Even though the fig trees have no fruit, and no grapes grow on the vines,

even though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no grain,

even though the sheep all die, and the cattle stalls are empty,

I will still be joyful and glad because the Lord God is my saviour.

The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains.

I am convinced that the first day spent at home with Jesus must have involved food and wine—they could not have been together for such a long time without taking a break for refreshment. I do not want to appear to be divisive, but I loved how Granny Healy was able to distinguish between an 'English cup of tea' and an 'Irish cup of tea'. With the former you got exactly what was offered: a cup of tea! The 'Irish cup of tea' would usually include biscuits, cake, or sandwiches—often, all three! I remember, with great joy, the long summer nights at home in Mayo. It was not unusual for neighbours, family, and friends to call and enjoy the hospitality of my parents. These visits had to take place well after work was done for the day, and it was common for Bill McDonagh our nearest neighbour to let himself in to our home with the lovely words, 'God bless all who live here!' He would stay with us telling stories and gossip to the early hours of the next day. Tea was poured, food was offered, and real friendship shared. Fr. Kieran SDB has shared so many of the high points of my life since I met him when I was a young and very inexperienced teacher at Thornleigh Salesian College over forty years ago, with him as an able member of the Sixth Form. We shared a great Irish holiday the year I was ordained as a Salesian priest with the gone, but never forgotten, Pat Kenna SDB and a great Salesian friend, Joe Glackin. Joe and Kieran were staying with my cousin Bill and his family, and I remember leaving them gathered around the kitchen fire late one evening, the tea pot on the hob, with strict instructions to be up early for a long drive to visit friends in Donegal the following morning—it was the in the days before the Irish motorway system was in place. However, I was aware of Bill's love of story and companionship: I knew they were in for a late night. Just how late-a-night it had been, hit me the following morning when Pat and myself came to whisk them off to beautiful Dún na nGall: Kieran, Joe, and Bill were still sitting around the fireplace drinking what was probably their fifteenth cup of tea! They had spent the night sharing stories and memories as true companions should. Their long night was a true expression of community and there is still a part of me that is sad that I did not join them. However, the reality was someone had to drive the car in those pre-motorway days, allowing friends to sleep blissfully, just waking to share lunch and dinner.

John's version of the call of the first disciples is amazingly simple and ordinary: it happens organically. Andrew wants to share this experience of companionship with his brother Simon Peter, while Philip wants to share his new experience with the sceptical Nathanial who can see nothing positive coming from Nazareth (see: Jn: 43-51). These disciples were to share their time, lives, memories, stories, preaching, care, and food with the wandering Galilean—they were to be companions. The root of the word 'companion' comes from the Latin 'cum pane' which means 'with bread'. Granny Healy had it right with her 'Irish cup of tea' when she saw that true friendship arises out of sharing that cup of tea 'with bread'—even a ham sandwich! Those early Christian companions of Jesus would come to be known as the ones who gathered, in a spirit of hospitality, and who broke bread together 'in memory.'

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Photo by Nico Jacobs on Unsplash