Bread of Life

     This morning I drove to church feeling very overwhelmed, having major assignments due every day this week and no hope for rest until the middle of next week, just before another week of the same. This morning was one of those many times in the past months when I have felt alone, given a general direction by God and then left to manage all the details on my own. It makes me mad. I could have cried. This was how I began this morning.

     I arrived at church just as the service was about to start and had to rush to find a seat. I had only been to this church once before, so I was sitting beside people I had never met. Yet I was immediately reminded why we had gathered this morning. Today is World Communion Sunday, a day when Christians all over the world gather to celebrate the body of Christ. This morning as I struggled with my own worries, I listened to stories of others on this journey. Jesus invites us to notice his presence along the way. I listened to stories of others who have faced stormy times, or carried heavy burdens, or were challenged to "step out of the boat". And I heard how each found life in the midst of it all. Jesus is Life.

     As I gathered with this congregation this morning I was reminded of the image of the bread. The flour and water and yeast are mixed to make one loaf, and then the loaf is broken and dispersed to produce more fruit. Just so is the body of Christ. As I prepared to join this congregation at the Lord's table I looked around me at all who were gathered. This congregation truly lives up to its name, Assembly, as people of all walks of life gather to worship and fellowship. In this church I see the body of Christ. But we were not the only ones who were present in that place. Today I heard or sang songs in Bangladeshi, Swahili, Spanish and English. I raised my hands in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world. And as I worshiped in a strange place, I remembered my home congregation and my family there. And I thought of friends worshiping with other congregations. At the Lord's table we were given the choice of rye bread for North America and Europe, tortillas for Central & South America, pita bread for the Middle East, or sticky rice for Asia, remembering that all are part of the body of Christ. Today Christians of all races and nations, all ages and genders, all histories, all classes, all sexual orientations, and all traditions gathered at the table to celebrate their unity in the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Bread.

     Later, after the service, I joined other friends in celebrating the first birthday of a beautiful little girl. I was again reminded of the Body as these friends from Canada, Paraguay, Asia, and the US came together. I hummed as others sang Happy Birthday in German and listened to conversations and stories in German, English and Spanish. And we all sat in the living room drinking matte together as friends. It is only in Christ that this can happen.

     I am not alone on this journey. All around me are others who are also walking. Some have gone before me to light the way, some are behind me whom I may lead. And some are beside me, walking with me, encouraging me and supporting me. For this I am deeply thankful. In remembering this Body I found strength and peace. I could have cried. In this Body I find life. Jesus is the Bread of Life.