The Liturgical Moment of the Week: The Fraction

By Fr. Brian+

I’m in a mini-series for the Liturgy of the Sacrament. You may view the introduction here: https://www.graceocala.org/post/liturgical-moment-of-the-week-liturgy-of-the-sacrament

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples.

Jesus broke it. It seems simple enough, a utilitarian act. But there is something special happening in that breaking of bread.

Recall Jesus on the road to Emmaus with the two disciples right after his resurrection. They did not recognize him until he broke the bread. Somehow, Jesus made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread.

That’s why the priest elevates the host, the piece of bread, and breaks it ceremonially for all to see. Then I break forth in praise, “Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” And y’all respond, hopefully enthusiastically, “Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia.”

It’s time to eat!

When you take communion, do you recognize Jesus in your midst? In your heart? In your mind? Do you see his presence in your Christian brother kneeling on your left, and your sister in Christ kneeling on your right?

It’s the Lord who was broken on the cross for your brothers and sisters, and for you. And it is our broken lives we bring to the communion rail every Sunday.

Communion isn’t simply a ceremony or a remembrance. It’s the Body of Christ coming together to partake in the Body of Christ. Jesus would have it no other way.