The two disciples whom Jesus joined on the road to Emmaus recognised him in the breaking of the bread. What is a more common, ordinary gesture than breaking bread? It may be the most human of all human gestures: a gesture of hospitality, friendship, care, and the desire to be together.
Taking a loaf of bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to those seated around the table signifies unity, community, and peace. When Jesus does this he does the most ordinary as well as the most extraordinary. It is the most human as well as the most divine gesture.
The great mystery is that this daily and most human gesture is the way we recognise the presence of Christ among us. God becomes most present when we are most human.
For further reflection...
They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us...?" - Luke 24: 32a (NIV)
This post was written by Henri Nouwen. You can find his site here: www.henrinouwen.org
Taking a loaf of bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to those seated around the table signifies unity, community, and peace. When Jesus does this he does the most ordinary as well as the most extraordinary. It is the most human as well as the most divine gesture.
The great mystery is that this daily and most human gesture is the way we recognise the presence of Christ among us. God becomes most present when we are most human.
For further reflection...
They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us...?" - Luke 24: 32a (NIV)
This post was written by Henri Nouwen. You can find his site here: www.henrinouwen.org
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