O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I do love the aroma of freshly baked bread. It has a way of catching our attention and inviting us to sit, eat, and savor the taste. Bread is both a universal food and so much more!! Some fun facts and reflections on bread you may or may not already know:
The Israelites kept twelve loaves on the altar at all times. In the Old Testament, bread was the basic food that supported life.
Bread also represented the relationship between God and the Israelites and then Jesus and his followers.
Bread draws us together in fellowship. Abraham used bread for hospitality when he shared bread with his three visitors (Genesis 18) and enjoyed bread served by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-24).
Jewish tradition includes breaking bread at the beginning of a meal with the words “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who bringest forth bread from the earth.”
Jesus gave thanks and broke bread several times in the New Testament, and the disciples carried on the breaking of bread in communion. We also continue this tradition in our Eucharistic Prayers!!
Beyond these few “fun facts," I realize there is another significant meaning for bread in the bible, in our tradition, and our community. The covenant relationship with God that bread can offer us. It represents the covenant God has called us to keep with Creation and with each other. We are called to care for the soil and the seeds that will eventually become the grain used to bake the bread. We are called to bake the bread and use it to feed each other during our liturgies and to feed the poor and the homeless who have no food or bread. I invite you all to continue to discern the various ways Christ makes Christ self known to you in the breaking of bread. Continue to support our feeding ministries with your prayers and your presence. For it is in the giving that we receive. Yours in Christ, Teresa+
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