In the breaking of bread, we know Jesus more

(An excerpt of the homily of the Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., during the 1st Day of the DADITAMA Clergy Convention at Mergrande Ocean Resort, April 16, 2024.)

Just to see one another, that’s already a beautiful sacramental. I call it a sacramental taking time, spending effort to come here even without any single word; but, to see your presence, the presence of one another is already grace. But, that is not enough we’re also blessed that it is part of the pattern of our gathering is on this very first day or half day we gather around the table of the Eucharist to hear Jesus to hear God and also to receive him in Holy Communion in this Holy Eucharist.

Very interesting in the Gospel reading, today we hear again that Jesus is the bread from heaven I am the bread that gives life… I’m sure you understand that in the Easter season the breaking of bread is of prime importance they came to know him, the resurrected Christ in the breaking of bread and needless to say is a central act of our service and ministry as priests is the breaking of bread but the new testament, the Gospel would tell us they came to know him in the breaking of bread so therefore, it is quite legit to ask by the way do we celebrate the Eucharist so our people come to see and know Jesus?

We thank ourselves, we do the schedule, we fulfill the schedule. But the other part, people came to know more Jesus in the breaking of bread. I would like to go on by saying so therefore, maybe today on this first day of our convention we remind ourselves again that it is not just a routine of the rite of breaking of bread, the liturgy of the Eucharist but also mindful every time we celebrate the Eucharist, “adhere in persona in christi,” the whole breaking of bread people will come to know Jesus more.

The worship, the service is not about us but it’s about God. The service is not tailored to cater to us, and to the priest it is supposed to bring us to the Lord in the breaking of bread the only purpose is that together we come to know Jesus.