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THE BREAKING OF BREAD (ACTS 2:41-47).

REFLECTION

“The breaking of bread” is the theme for our reflection. The breaking of bread is an ancient Jewish practice of gathering to share bread. We shall reflect on the significance of breaking bread.

1. The breaking of bread signifies communal sharing and the bond of fellowship.

2. The breaking of bread is an act of gratitude to God for His providence.

Firstly, the breaking of bread represents the sense of community and the bond of fellowship. Luke wrote, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42) One important cultural practice that kept the familial bond in African communities was eating together from the same bowl or plate. Friends and family maintain a strong bond through the act of eating together and this can be likened to the ancient practice of the breaking of bread in the Jewish communities. Jesus followed the pattern of breaking bread to teach His disciples to maintain a sense of community and bond of fellowship among them. The practice of breaking bread which was not novel was given a new and deeper meaning by the Lord’s Supper. Again, beyond having meals together as believers, The Lord’s Supper which is the symbol of breaking bread also reminds us that we are a community of faith and a fellowship founded on the Love of Christ. Our bond of unity is not only physical but also spiritual, that is why it is backed by Biblical teaching and prayers. We are greatly encouraged to share and participate in this holy fellowship and continually work towards the strengthening of the bond through love, sharing and prayer.

Secondly, the breaking of bread as a sign of fellowship is also an act of gratitude and praise to God for His sustenance, thus, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47). In other words, breaking bread reminds us of God’s faithfulness in sustaining our lives. Prayer of thanksgiving is observed by glad and sincere hearts to the Lord for His providence and sustenance. The practice of prayer and breaking of bread was also demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He instituted the Lord’s Supper. We owe our existence and sustenance of our community of faith and fellowship to God, therefore it is imperative to express our gratitude and joy through prayer and the breaking of bread.

In summary, we have underscored the importance of the breaking of bread. The breaking of bread signifies communal sharing and the bond of fellowship. Again, It is an act of gratitude to God for His providence. Shalom.

PRAYER

The Holy Spirit, help us to maintain the bond of fellowship and the heart of thanksgiving through the breaking of bread. May our breaking of bread and the bond of our fellowship invite the lost and perishing to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.