The simple act of sharing a meal together helps us trust one another, get to know each other better and really understand each other. Families who take the time to break bread together can easily relate to the two Emmaus disciples and their post-resurrection encounter with the risen Christ.
Reflecting on their journey with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, the two disciples report how they recognized Jesus "in the breaking of the bread" (Luke 24: 35-48). It was in sharing stories and sharing a meal that he was made known to them.
It’s easy to fail to recognize the risen Jesus among us. How fitting that he made himself known by a simple request: "Have you anything here to eat?" (24:41).
To prove he is not a ghost, Jesus eats with the disciples to reassure them (24:42-43). Breaking bread together builds trust, relieves anxiety, and brings peace.
Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (24:45). By breaking bread and sharing a meal, he enables them to see who he really is – the one who suffered and rose from the dead to bring us forgiveness of sins and a share in his everlasting life.
It’s in breaking bread together that families today can share their stories as they share a meal. When we sit down at table and eat together, we can help each other build trust, relieve anxiety and bring each other peace. Sharing a meal together helps us to see each other for who we really are. It helps us to recognize each other as beings made in the image and likeness of our creator.
As we let down our defenses and listen to each other’s stories, we begin to open our minds and understand each other better. We begin to recognize the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread.
