I can scramble a few eggs, and I can make a grilled cheese sandwich. Beyond that, I have no competence in the world of cooking. I envy a friend who has a gift for making wonderful bread. He is known for his capacity to bake many varieties, and he gets great joy from sharing his bread with others. It is one of the ways he demonstrates his love for people.

I am a bit jealous of his knowledge and ability. There have been times when I thought that I would like to learn how to make bread. However, my thoughts have never taken me to the oven. My motivation has been lacking; I have never baked even one loaf.

A few weeks ago, I made a decision to try to see every piece of bread as a symbol to remind me of Jesus who said, “I am the bread of life.” When I remember to do this, I am reminded of Christ’s love for me and for all people.

We meet Christ in the people we encounter each and every day. We experience Christ in the poor, in those we love, and in those we find difficult to love. We are called to be the bread of life for every person every day. It is so easy to eat bread as a symbol of Christ’s presence and then to relate to others as if we had never eaten the bread. Bread can indeed be an important symbol. Symbols can point beyond themselves to the God who is far beyond us, deep within us, and all around us. Paying attention to everyday bread as a symbol can remind us to be mystically one with the Lord who is the “Bread of Life.”