Food for the world (Henri Nouwen)

   When Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, he summarized in these gestures his own life.  Jesus is chosen from all eternity, blessed at his baptism in the Jordan River, broken on the cross, and given as bread to the world.  Being chosen, blessed, broken, and given is the sacred journey of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. 

   When we take bread, bless it, break it, and give it with the words, This is the Body of Christ, we express our commitment to make our lives conform to the life of Christ.  We too want to live as people chosen, blessed, and broken, and thus become food for the world. 

  

--Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey

Image source:  James Tissot, Jerusalem Jerusalem (ca.1886-1894)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jerusalem_Jerusalem_(J%C3%A9rusalem_J%C3%A9rusalem)_-_James_Tissot.jpg