This Week with Henri Nouwen – Around the Table
“We all need to eat and drink to stay alive. But having a meal is more than eating and drinking. It is celebrating the gifts of life we share. A meal together is one of the most intimate and sacred human events. Around the table we become vulnerable, filling one another’s plates and cups and encouraging one another to eat and drink. Much more happens at a meal than satisfying hunger and quenching thirst. Around the table we become family, friends, community, yes, a body.
That is why it is so important to “set” the table. Flowers, candles, colorful napkins all help us to say to one another, ‘This is a very special time for us, let’s enjoy it!’” - Henri Nouwen













Was there a reference to where this quote appears in his actual work?
Josh,
Hey. This quote is from Henri Nouwen’s book: Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith. Pg. 48 Hope that helps. Peace.
Aha! Now I know why enjoying a meal with friends is such a blessing~
Thank you for posting, JR!!
I love that Van Gogh.