08.04.21 | Taken, Blessed, Broken, & Given

In today’s BREAD reading from Matthew 14, Jesus directs the multitude to sit on the grass.

“And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children” (verses 19-21, NKJV).

In Henri Nouwen’s book, “Life of the Beloved,” he outlines four words that he believes are central to the spiritual lives of Christians:

“To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful to use four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given. These words summarize my life as a priest because each day, when I come together around the table with members of my community, I take bread, bless it, break it and give it. These words also summarize my life as a Christian, because, as a Christian, I am called to become bread for the world: bread that is taken, blessed, broken, and given. Most importantly, however, they summarize my life as a human being because in every moment of my life somewhere, somehow the taking, the blessings, the breaking, and the giving are happening.” (“Life of the Beloved,” 41-42)

During today’s fasting and prayer focus, reflect on what Nouwen is pointing out about this passage of scripture. Ask the Lord what He wants to show you about the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life, and where the taking, the blessing, the breaking, and the giving are happening. Allow the Spirit to reveal where you might be submitting to the taking. Consider what breaking looks like in your life. Give thanks to the Lord for the blessings you receive, and let Him lead you into generous giving. If you notice resistance or fear in your heart around any of these areas, share this with the Lord, and repent.

For the rest of your day, offer yourself to be fully taken by the Lord, blessed, broken, and given.  

As always, we encourage you to share what you are learning with a brother or sister in your community.

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