In this series on the Mass we are approaching another crucial moment, the “breaking of the bread.” The symbolism behind this ritual reminds us that just as Jesus was broken and slain for us on the cross so again he is made present to us in this manner. In fact, one of the first titles of the Mass was “The Breaking of the Bread” as we see in the Acts of the Apostles and all throughout the early Church writings. Yes, the Bread of Life entered into our brokenness that we might be put together individually and as a group. We are brought into union with God and with each other through Holy Communion. We become a community. We become the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. He becomes broken that his flock might be brought together.
While the breaking of the bread occurs the phrase “Lamb of God…” is sung. This prayer is so well known to many of us that we may have forgotten what it means, or have never known. St. John the Baptist was the first who used this title for Jesus calling to mind the Passover lamb. For the Jewish people every year on the feast of Passover each family was to procure a lamb, slay it, sprinkle its blood on the door and then eat the lamb. It was on this feast of Passover that Jesus instituted the first Mass, the Last Supper. It was on this feast that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Jesus is the sacrifice of the new covenant in his blood. He fulfills what the old Passover couldn’t complete. He is the new and true Passover Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Through his mercy we have the hope of not only being brought together and fixed up, but also the hope of life forever and ever. May the mystery of the Mass continue to unfold in our lives all the days of our life.