Holy Habit - Breaking Bread - Simply?

In Birmingham the Methodist Circuit is following a discipleship programme called Holy Habits. It has been developed by the circuit from a foundation put in place by Andrew Roberts which is now available in abook.

On Saturday there was a day exploring the latest Holy Habit which is breaking bread. After a session using Godly Play to explore this theme we were invited to respond in a creative form and I wrote this poem which I am posting here because at the end during our closing communion service there was a sharing session. After sharing a couple of people said they would like a copy. This seemed the easiest way to share.

 

People, animals, hopes, dreams, despair

mingling in the field.

They are together here and now.

Friends and strangers gathering

around simple bread and wine.

 

The bread might be white or brown,

Handmade or processed, gluten free or gluten full.

Some mutter it matters,

perhaps wafers would be better.

There is a sigh as people gather,

so much for simple bread and wine.

 

The wine sits in a simple beaker,

rich and red it flows.

Then the muttering begins again.

Chalice or small cup?

So much for simple bread and wine.

 

A book is opened, words recited,

passed down from age to age.

There is a profound silence for a moment

as their power is absorbed.

But then the muttering begins again

about how to interpret meaning.

So much for simple bread and wine.

 

Then it’s time to share this Godly supper.

Making sure all can share together

in this unifying experience.

But the muttering is growing louder

About who should serve and who should eat.

So much for simple bread and wine.

 

Then a shepherd enters the scene,

holding a small child by the hand.

They sit and smile at each other

as he sits and breaks a piece of bread.

Handing it over saying have eat,

Remember me next time you simply eat.

 

The wine sits in the beaker,

the child’s mother looks worried.

The shepherd smiles and picks up some cherryade.

He hands it to the child,

Saying something is going to happen to me

but through it you shall live.

Remember me next time you simply drink.