Breaking Bread

The phrase “breaking bread” signifies more than just sharing a meal; it represents fellowship, community, and coming together. In many cultures and religious traditions, breaking bread symbolizes unity and hospitality. It often involves sharing food and conversation, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect among those present. Growing up, my mother insisted that we eat together as a family. My siblings and I didn’t always want to, but Mom’s wisdom trumped our feelings.

Eating meals together as a family holds significant importance for several reasons:

• Strengthening Bonds: Sharing meals provides an opportunity for family members to connect, share their day, and strengthen their relationships.
• Improved Communication: Regular family meals encourage open communication, allowing family members to discuss their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
• Healthier Eating Habits: Families that eat together tend to have healthier diets, as home-cooked meals are often more nutritious than fast food or processed options.
• Emotional Well-being: Family meals can provide a sense of stability and security, contributing to better emotional health for both children and adults.
• Cultural Traditions: Sharing meals helps preserve cultural traditions and family recipes, fostering a sense of identity and community.
• Life Skills: Family meals offer opportunities for children to learn important life skills, such as cooking, table manners, and the importance of nutrition.

In a Christian context, “breaking bread” has special significance. Jesus often used the context of sharing meals to teach, build relationships, and convey important spiritual truths. Here are a few key examples:

• The Last Supper: Perhaps the most famous meal, the Last Supper, was where Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, instituting the practice of Communion and emphasizing the importance of remembering His sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20).
• Feeding the 5,000: Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His compassion and ability to provide for the needs of the people (Matthew 14:13-21).
• Dining with Sinners: Jesus often ate with tax collectors and sinners, showing that His message of love and redemption was for everyone, not just the religious elite (Matthew 9:10-13).
• Post-Resurrection Meals: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and shared meals with them, reinforcing His physical resurrection and continuing to teach them (Luke 24:30-31, John 21:9-14).
• Parables and Teachings: Jesus used the setting of meals to teach important lessons, such as in the parable of the Great Banquet, where He illustrated the inclusivity of God’s kingdom (Luke 14:15-24).

Using meals, Jesus fostered community, demonstrated His love and care, and imparted essential teachings to His followers. The practice of “breaking bread” reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and a call to unity and love among believers.

Overall, eating together nurtures a sense of belonging and togetherness, which is essential for a healthy and happy family life and community. May there be a revival in America of “breaking bread” together. I can not think of a better way to heal and unite our families and country. Eating together cultivates intimate experiences, relational bonds, and common ground. May God continue to bless America.