05 March • Loaves

In Saxon English, the lord provided the loaf – the sustenance – for the people. Hebrew bible scholar Walter Brueggemann reminds us justice is important—food is essential. Throughout the gospels we find accounts of Jesus feeding other people and feasting with his friends; Jesus repeatedly talks about those who will banquet in the Kingdom. Poet Pablo Neruda knows Eating alone is a disappointment. But not eating matters more...

In Saxon England, the lord provided the sustenance. Eating alone or in community sustains our bodies; enjoying a meal together replenishes our spirits. Throughout the gospels we hear about Jesus feasting with friends. Scripture tells us on the evening of the day of resurrection, "when Jesus was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him." Luke 24:30

In the same way God called Jesus of Nazareth, God calls us to be visible, tangible signs of God-with-us, God-for-us, God-among-us. Will the world recognize us as the presence of Christ when we bless, break, and share bread? When we supply sustenance for each other's bodies and spirits?

Eating alone is a disappointment...