Strength: Breaking bread for the journey

Reflection

Paul’s invitation to eat is an exhortation to those in the boat to strengthen themselves for what lies ahead. This taking of bread marks a change of attitude, as those in the boat move from despair to courage. In a similar way the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper provides us with food for the journey and re-orientates us to life in God. We are made strong. The breaking of the bread – at the core of Christian community life and worship – builds us up as we commit ourselves to Christian service. We long for the day when all Christians will be able to share at the same table of the Lord’s Supper and draw strength from one bread and one cup.

Prayer

Loving God,

your Son Jesus Christ broke bread

and shared the cup with his friends on the eve of his passion.

May we grow together in closer communion.

Following the example of Paul and the early Christians,

give us strength to build bridges of compassion, solidarity and harmony.

In the power of the Holy Spirit,

we ask this in the name of your Son,

who gives his life that we might live. Amen.