Took, Blessed, Broke, Gave

Today's Gospel is on the feeding of the multitude. This pericope is very productive of spiritual growth. Not only is the text a summary of Christ’s Gospel message in action, but the implications of Eucharistic celebration make this pericope a springboard for Advent reflection.

The first sermon I ever heard, now some fifty years ago, focused on the pithy actions of Jesus. He took, blessed, broke and gave. In fact in the old Roman missal, the words of the consecration narrative uses these words—took, blessed, broke and gave. Using these four words, we can build a reflection.

“He took.” Jesus took the most obvious items at his disposal, simply bread; not waffles, not cornbread, not ice cream, perhaps not even fresh bread, but simply bread to accomplish his work. Do we consider Jesus call to us a simple invitation?

“He Blessed.” Do we see the hand of God in everything? Everything we see? we do? we touch? we hear? Truly, the earth is charged with the grandeur of God. We are truly blessed to serve our God in a world that is also blessed and so we must recognize this gift. Perhaps we are tempted to change God’s grandeur into consumption.

“He broke.” Do we allow Jesus to break us down, to mold us, to change us, to help us grow? Simply do we allow Jesus to use us as He will? Or do we assume that we have all the answers?

“He gave.” Jesus not only gave but he gave through the helping hands of his disciples. And these co-ministers continued the giving of Jesus by their service. Do we allow ourselves to be instruments of the Lord, continuing to spread His saving grace helping others? showing Christ’s mercy and forgiveness?

Truly the season of Advent presents multiple opportunities to share in the redemptive work of Jesus.

Author: Phil Postell, S.J., School Chaplain