With Bread
Stop: When you think of God’s mission to reveal God’s self to the world through Jesus Christ, what do you think of? Do you think of this mission as a project, a trip, a journey, or otherwise?
Listen: 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
Reflect: Pr. Peter Harrits from Shepherd of the Valley led our first session for Reimagining Mission and encouraged us to think about God’s mission. Often we think of mission as a special project—sometimes completing something we have decided our partners need. We go on mission trips as ways to take a break from our normal routines to focus on a week or more of service before returning to our normal routines. But what if mission—sharing God’s love in Jesus Christ—is a journey.
In Luke: 13-32, two disciples are returning to Emmaus from Jerusalem after Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Jesus appears as a stranger as they are walking along the road talking about the news. They share their disappointment that Jesus was crucified because they thought he would be the one to redeem Israel. As they walk along the dusty road, Jesus explains Scripture to them. Once to Emmaus they invite Jesus to stay with them. They realize it was Jesus with them the entire time when he breaks bread with them.
This is mission as a journey—Jesus being revealed in our midst as we walk along with others sharing the news of the day including our hopes and disappointments, as we open Scripture with others, as we offer the hospitality of a meal together, as we accompany one another through this life’s journey.
Bega Kwa Bega is the title of our synod’s partnership with the Iringa Diocese in Tanzania. It means “shoulder to shoulder,” literally walking together along this life’s journey with Jesus. Our partners are not a special project and our trips achieve only a glimpse of the gift of the relationship we have as we accompany one another. Because “accompaniment” comes from the latin words “ad cum panis,” which means “with bread.” With bread that is broken together, Jesus is revealed in our midst.
Pray: Gracious God, thank you for opening our eyes to see you in our midst. Bless us as we walk with others, as we journey through this life, and as we remember your presence with us. Amen.
Carry On: Who do you typically break bread with and how do you do it? Perhaps over mealtime try incorporating conversation about the day, just like our characters from Luke’s Gospel. What was the best part of your day? What was the worst? How did you see God today?