It was going to be a great lunch. I knew this to be a fact because after we were seated, a tonsured gentleman swiftly appeared with a basket over one arm and a pair of tongs.
The contents of the basket were covered in a white piece of linen which he deftly flicked open to reveal some freshly baked bread rolls. The aroma was intoxicating. He served us with a debonair attitude that was courteous without being standoffish.
The roll had obviously been freshly baked. Crunchy on the outside, almost tender on the inside. It was delectable and we already felt as though we were home and sated.
I remembered this experience the other day and asked myself …what is it about the magic of bread? It’s been around for thousands of years in many guises and has stood the test of time. judging by the variety that is on offer to the consumer, it is more popular now than it has ever been.
What is it about this simple delicacy that has seen it become part of our everyday staple diet?
Part of the answer is that it is the fabric of our community. I reckon if you were to check the larder/fridge of the homes around you there would be some kind of bread in nearly all of the homes.
There is something earthy about it. It has a quality that sustains, nourishes and nurtures us.
And here’s something else about bread. It must be sliced or broken in some way before it can be shared and consumed. Even the bread roll we received with such aplomb had to be broken open in order to be eaten and enjoyed.
Perhaps this is what the Master meant when he said “Give us this day…”
