Moving Upward Together: Day 24

 

Day 24, Cutting the Chalah – Patty Gingrich 

“Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14:19 ESV.)

There are many amazing things to catch your attention at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Ballwin. Some things stand out because they are breathtakingly beautiful, while other things may stand out because they invite contemplation or offer a call to action. This is the rich and colorful backdrop overshadowed only by the fellowship and good works that take place in and around the building. 

I have been curious about a pencil drawing print, “Cutting the Chalah” by Jerry Winick that hangs on the wall in the conference room, 106, where we hold our bi-weekly staff meetings. The intensity of focus in the Rabbi’s face begged the question, “What is so important in this moment, slicing a piece of bread?” With a little detective work, my questions were answered. The Rabbi is depicted in the moment of blessing the bread. He is intent on following the tradition of nicking the bread to open it to receive the blessing while still keeping the loaf whole, to honor the Shabbat. 

My curiosity has been satisfied, and the window has opened for me to consider becoming more intentional about being thankful for my sustenance and asking God to bless the food to nourish me with good health by eating it. At St. Mark blessings are said before shared meals at gatherings and events and families say blessings together before meals. Jesus set the example of looking up to the heavens and blessing the food. Many times, we miss the opportunity to give thanks for our meal, we are busy, snacking on the go, (does a protein drink count as meal?) So it is good to share a reminder to be intentional about our thanksgiving. 

“Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you provide us. Help us to recognize the many opportunities to give thanks that we encounter in each moment, every day. And give us the awareness to stop and spend that moment with you, giving thanks and praise for your blessings. Amen”