Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Break bread Friday, April 9, 1999 John 21:13-14 "Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead." One of the most intense "religious" experiences of my life occurred in a commune in Berkeley, California in August, 1976. Spending the evening with a large group of men and women who lived together, I ate dinner with them. Several of us cut vegetables and made a salad. Others were preparing chicken. We sat down (crosslegged on the floor) to eat, about six of us each at several low, circular tables. Someone said grace, and I took some salad and passed the bowl to my neighbor. The guy on the other side of me took the bowl of chicken and noodles, and ladled some onto my plate. Such a simple thing. He put the food on my plate instead of his. He loved me. No words, just actions. No talk, just walk. There was plenty of food for everybody. During meals later in the week, we broke sandwiches in half and in quarters, and gave them to each other. We didn't eat as much. And I felt full. Giving is filling. So when I read about Jesus breaking bread and fish and giving it to his friends, I know how much they loved him. By doing it himself, he taught his friends to be givers, generous and thoughtful of the person next to them, the one God placed there to be loved. Try it some time. When you have the chance, put something on your friend's plate instead of yours. See what happens! Jesus, thank you for your open hands, sharing what you have with me. "; Add      Edit    Delete