When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
~Luke 24:31-32
Dear Friends in Christ,
There is something special that happens in the breaking of bread. Throughout his ministry, we see Jesus breaking bread and sharing in a meal with others. Even the night before his crucifixion he chose to spend time in a meal with his disciples. After his resurrection, he shared in a meal on the beach with Peter and several other disciples and after a journey on the road to Emmaus, Jesus broke bread once again. There is something special that happens in the breaking of bread. In the Methodist tradition, we have two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. Sacraments are described as an outward and tangible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
Since we have not been able to gather together in several weeks, we have missed sharing in Holy Communion together. Although we are not able to be physically in the same space, I also believe that God transcends distance and time. I believe that many of us are hungering and thirsting for the grace and deep sacrificial love of Jesus that we find in this meal. Jesus reminds us in Mark's Gospel that when David's men were hungry, he took the consecrated bread from the house of God to feed them. I believe that God is calling us to this meal.
On Easter Sunday, we will share in the liturgy and breaking of bread at the end of our worship together. This portion of the service will be done live and I will be consecrating the elements and we will be sharing and receiving the sacrament together. You are invited to prepare some bread and a cup of juice or water - enough for all in your family to share. Place them on a plate and cover them in preparation for this meal. My prayer is that through this meal we will be reminded of God’s presence and strengthened in the tangible grace of this sacrament. It may be that in the breaking of bread, we may see more clearly the very real presence of Christ in our midst.
In Christ's transcending love,
Pastor Cyndi
