Bread in all it’s forms is a universal phenomenon and it connects the world.
The smell and taste of freshly baked bread is awesome.
It really is a most amazing invention.
I love bread, but who first imagined it?
Our ancient ancestors were very inventive, and they created many good things that we are blessed with today.
According to historians, bread dates back to at least ten thousand years ago. So I wonder who it was that first worked out that wheat is easier to eat crushed down into flour and mixed with water, made into a dough, flattened and cooked?
Gritstone millstones were created to crush wheat and corn into flour, and in some parts of India such stones called Chaki are still in use for Chappati, a flat bread made only from flour and water.
I love making Chappatis and seeing each one rise to a shape of a football on a flame, before flattening out.
I like to break bread or chappati, though sliced bread is seen as progress, lending itself to the phrase “the best thing since sliced bread”.
In our world of plenty, many people still go hungry every day.
to me, the breaking and sharing of bread is the pinnacle of achievement. As a member of Church clergy, I am inspired by Jesus’ characteristic habit, whenever he ate, to take bread, give thanks, break it, and share it.
Up to this day when the followers of Jesus meet, they assert, “we are one body because we share one bread”.
The Christian word for such deep sharing is “holy communion”.
I don’t know about you, but for me Bread is best when it is shared.
Sharing bread is an act of love and inclusion, a sign of respect for the people around you.
It is the heart of true hospitality.
We all need bread to feed us in body, mind and soul.
We all need bread to feed us in body, mind and soul.
No wonder Jesus taught his followers to pray, “give us this day our daily bread”.
So, looking ahead for 2024, these are the matters I will find myself upholding in all my relationships, reflections and prayers.
Inderjit Bhogal, 11 March 2021
WANT TO FIND MORE FROM INDERJIT?
Pause For Thought is featured on BBC Radio 2. It is hosted on the OJ Borg programme at 2.30am (GMT). Inderjit contributes regular short reflections on various topics, often related to spirituality, philosophy and personal experiences. Inderjit provides a moment of reflection and contemplation offering you a brief pause. Here, Inderjit shares his insights and wisdom, to inspire you, encourage you, or provide a moment of reflection before you start the day.
