Jesus broke all the social norms of his day: the role of women, sharing meals
with those considered “unclean.” At the last meal he shared with his friends
Jesus offered the simple elements found on that table. He asked them to
notice the bread and cup and that whenever they ate this ordinary, every day
food that they would remember him, remember his teachings, his stories. In
the days after his death his friends would put their hands on the bread and
cup as food for their survival and they remembered.

Jesus knew that food was more than the sum of its parts. In our expanded
consciousness we know that human beings are more than the sum of their
parts, that the universe is more than the sum of its parts. We celebrate the
unbelievable miracle we call life that results from earth, air, and water dancing
in the sunlight.

Along with indigenous peoples over thousands of years who celebrated each
event of food production: before planting, for rain during the hot summer, at
harvest time; we, too, realize that eating is a cosmic act. We have arrived at
the end of a 4.5 billion year journey. We are hungry and thirsty. We share this
cosmic meal as an enlightened community, celebrating with deep gratitude
all that has gone before, all the daily miracles, all that is yet to be. We share
the Presence within, between, and beyond.

One: This food is the gift of the whole Universe –

All: the Earth, the sky, and much hard work.

One: May we eat in mindfulness so as to be worthy to receive it: I see clearly
the presence of the entire Universe supporting my existence. May we
transform our unskilled states of mind

All: and learn to eat with moderation.

One: May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.

All: We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.

One: May all beings have enough to eat.

All: May it be so. Amen.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

This bread broken and shared in community.

This cup poured out and shared in community.

These are evidence of a sacramental reality that exists all around us, supports
our existence, and infuses our every breath. Come and share in the miracles
the universe presents us. Come and share the fullness of your humanity, your
intimate connection in the Web of Life. Come and see stars and planets in a
cup of grape juice. Come and see the universe in a piece of bread.

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