Breaking Bread

When we read the words “breaking bread” we most often think of the act of eating together. The Urban Dictionary defines “breaking bread” to mean the sharing of one’s belongings or assets with another person, to make peace and to share. Biblical scholars tell us that when the expression is used in reference to the Lord's Supper, then "breaking of bread" refers to an act of worship. In all of these definitions, the breaking of the bread involves being in community and doing away with selfishness.

Common Ground is helping to make sure that no child goes home hungry after school. Common Ground, in behalf of our neighborhood school children, requested to participate in a special grant (administered by Feeding America Food Bank) providing for food provisions for children. Each Friday more than 250 sacks of food are delivered to one of our La Mesa-Spring Valley schools. It’s part of the “Weekend Wellness” program for children who rely on two meals a day during the school, but are in need on the weekends.

The mission of the Feeding America program is to “respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person and treat all with justice, equity and compassion. In essence, ‘feeding’ serves as a double meaning—both providing food and enriching lives.”

Jesus gave us the gift of the Lord’s Supper, not only as a way to remember His sacrifice for us, but as a means to reverently honor Him. Our goal as Easter people should be to make every act of breaking bread an act of worship, whether at the communion table or at our dinner tables. Let’s remember that every time we feed just one of God’s children, we participate in honoring our holy God. Let’s break bread together and feed one another as the season of Pentecost comes to a close.

Submitted by Susan Naylund, Common Ground Collaborative member