Little Wonders: Two Tables, One Meal

When you walk into a church, you’ll notice two important pieces of furniture near the front: the altar and the ambo. They are two special tables where we are fed by God, not with regular food, but with something even better. Let’s take a closer look!

The Ambo: The Table of the Word

The ambo is the place where we hear God’s Word. It’s usually a raised stand or podium, and it’s where the Bible is read during Mass. When someone reads from the ambo, they are sharing stories from the Bible. These stories of God’s love and promises, teach us how he wants us to live. Jesus feeds our hearts and minds with these stories and they help us grow in faith and understand what is good and true. This is why we sometimes call the ambo the table of the Word. Just like we eat breakfast to start our day strong, we listen to God’s Word to make our hearts strong in love and truth.

The Altar: The Table of the Eucharist

The altar is the large table at the center of the church. This is where the priest consecrates the bread and wine. At the altar, something amazing happens. Bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Another name for the Body and Blood of Christ is The Eucharist or Holy Communion. This isn’t just a symbol! Jesus wants to be with us so much that he makes himself present in the Eucharist. When we receive Communion, we are being fed by Jesus himself. That’s why the altar is called the table of the Eucharist. Just like food gives life to our bodies, the Eucharist gives life to our souls.

Two Tables, One Meal

At the beginning of Mass, the priest and deacon kiss the altar. After reading the Gospel at the ambo, the deacon or priest kisses the Book of the Gospels. They do this to show how much they respect the altar and God’s Word. The altar and the ambo are symbols to remind us that God loves us so much that he prepares a meal for us at every Mass.  

But instead of feeding our stomachs, he feeds our hearts and souls.

• At the ambo, we are fed with the Word of God.
• At the altar, we are fed with the Body of Christ.

These two tables help us stay close to Jesus and live the way he teaches.

So next time you’re at church, look at the ambo and the altar. Remember that God is inviting you to his family table so that you can listen, grow and be filled with his love.