I'm looking for some advice. I'm a senior citizen who participates in a reading and discussion group with some like-minded seniors at my parish. We meet once a month in each others homes. The group leans toward the progressive side. My question - the group is planning on having a "breaking bread" ceremony at the next meeting. I'm feeling uncomfortable about it. How should I handle this? — B., Washington

Jesus broke bread with his friends and said: "Do this in remembrance of me." He also said: "Wherever two or three are together in my name, I am in their midst." Remembering these words of Christ, i encourage you to celebrate this "breaking of bread."

Different churches interpret differently the words of Jesus regarding the bread he broke, "this is my body." In the spirit of Christ, different participants in this ritual ought to be both respectful to Church teaching and free to interpret his words according to their own best understanding.

Most important of all, the gospel account says that Jesus gave thanks as he broke the bread. The Lord's Supper is often called by its Greek name,"Eucharist," which means "Thanksgiving." Whenever we break bread, our heart should vibrate on all the different wavelengths of gratefulness.

Human beings anywhere in the world will understand breaking bread together as a gesture of love and communion. This is its most important meaning and the one on which i'd focus if i were invited to a ritual of breaking bread.

-- Your Brother David.