Theme reminds us to serve the world

“Becoming Bread for the World.” That is our theme for this year’s diocesan convention. It is a theme pregnant with possibilities for thought and action – Biblically, theologically, practically, and personally.

Rarely does a single theme say so much so well about who we are, who we are called to be, and what we are called to do.  As followers of Jesus, the “Bread of Life,” we are bread for the world as we carry out the work of his hands and his heart. In our Baptism we are commissioned and empowered to do so. Something of the joy and satisfaction this brings we already know.

Yet, we are also becoming — always becoming. By God’s grace, spiritual transformation is life long, and it “becomes” increasingly engaging and even exciting as we grow into the stature of Christ by offering to others the words and work that reflect God’s Word active in us.

We are to become bread for a reason: for the world. That says it; not simply to be scrumptious loaves for viewing on a shelf, but to be in the world and for the world.

Bread is for eating. We know that. And we also know, though we often forget, that God continually feeds us — generously. Likewise, we are to feed others, and not just fill the stomach. Important as that is, our mission is greater. We are bearers of the Bread of Heaven, the living story that feeds the soul with substance beyond physical need — the bread that Jesus was speaking of when he said, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” (John 4:32)

Becoming Bread for the World is a challenge and calling beyond us. We should name that right off. It is a holy mission that compels us to work together in unity and in hope, in our local congregations and this diocese and throughout the world, particularly in partnership with our sisters and brothers of the Anglican Communion. Our calling depends on it. People are starving for what we have to offer in Jesus’ name.

In the Eucharist the Presider says, “We break this Bread to share in the Body of Christ.” The congregations responds, “We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.” (Enriching our Worship) May it be so that the world may be fed, and may the following prayer speak to and for us:

“God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Daily Bread, Holy Meal by Samuel Torvend)