Breaking Bread, Building Community: A Reflection On Communion

As I reflect on my recent completion of a course in Worship Theology, I am filled with a profound sense of transformation and inspiration, particularly regarding the sacrament of Holy Communion. This course has deepened my understanding of worship as a holistic experience that engages not only our minds and spirits but also our bodies and communities. Through the study of scripture, historical practices, and theological insights, I have come to appreciate Holy Communion not merely as a ritual but as a living testament to our shared faith, unity, and connection to Christ. This sacrament invites us to remember, reflect, and reimagine our role in the body of Christ—encouraging us to engage with our communities, honor diverse experiences, and embrace the powerful narratives that shape our worship. My journey through this course has ignited a passion within me to approach Communion with renewed reverence and a deeper commitment to its life-giving significance.

Introduction:

Good morning, beloved community. Today, as we gather for communion, we are invited into a sacred space—one where we remember and celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 26:26-31, we find the poignant account of Jesus sharing his last meal with his disciples. This moment transcends time and culture, as it serves as a foundation for our identity as a community of faith. Today, I want to reflect on this text through a Womanist lens, honoring the voices and experiences of women, particularly Black women, while emphasizing the communal aspects of our faith.

I. Breaking the Bread of Tradition

In Matthew 26:26, Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, and breaks it. This action is layered with meaning; it signifies nourishment, sacrifice, and community. The concept of breaking bread holds special significance for women who have historically held the roles of nurturers in their families and communities. In many cultures, women prepare and share meals, serving not only as caregivers but also as spiritual leaders in their households.

Verse Breakdown: "Take, Eat; This Is My Body"

In Matthew 26:26, we encounter a pivotal moment during the Last Supper when Jesus takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and feeds it to His disciples. This simple yet profound act serves as the heart of what we now understand as the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

Taking and Giving Thanks

Jesus' gesture of taking the bread and giving thanks underscores His acknowledgment of God’s providence. The act of giving thanks (or "blessing" the bread, as some translations reflect) highlights the importance of gratitude in worship and community. Jesus models for His disciples a way of engaging with food that transcends mere consumption; it becomes an act laden with spiritual significance.

In the context of the Jewish Passover meal, the act of blessing the bread resonates deeply with the tradition of recognizing God’s deliverance and faithfulness. The bread used at the Last Supper links back to the manna provided to the Israelites in the desert and the unleavened bread of the Exodus—symbols of sustenance and divine provision. Thus, Jesus’ thanksgiving serves not only as acknowledgment of God’s past provisions but also as an invitation for His followers to see themselves as part of a larger narrative of salvation history.

Bread as a Symbol of Sustenance and Nourishment

Bread has always been a fundamental staple in many cultures. It symbolizes physical sustenance, but in Jesus’ declaration, it takes on a deeper, spiritual dimension. By referring to bread as His body, Jesus transforms it into a vital source of spiritual nourishment for His followers.

In the Gospel of John (6:35), Jesus states, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." This self-identification emphasizes that the nourishment He provides goes beyond the physical. It reflects a relationship where Jesus, as the divine source, fulfills the spiritual hunger of humanity. Therefore, when Jesus instructs His disciples to "take, eat," He is inviting them into an active participation in this divine sustenance.

As we approach the sacrament today, this understanding reinforces that Communion is not just about recalling a historical event; it is about engaging with Christ as our daily bread—an ongoing source of life, grace, and sustenance.

The Meaning of Jesus’ Declaration

When Jesus declares, "This is my body," He initiates a profound transformation of the bread into a symbol of His impending sacrifice. This declaration foreshadows the events of Good Friday, where Jesus’ body would be broken for the sins of the world. In this context, the bread symbolizes His willing sacrifice, portraying the depth of His love for humanity; it conveys the message that He would give His life so that others might live.

Furthermore, this declaration fosters a sense of presence. It invites believers to experience the real presence of Christ in the act of Communion. This understanding transcends a mere ritualistic approach; it emphasizes the notion that through the act of breaking bread, believers reconnect with the living Christ. Thus, each time communion is shared, it becomes a perpetual reminder of His sacrifice and an invitation into deeper intimacy with Him.