LEAVEN / UNLEAVENED BREAD
Unleavened bread holds profound significance in biblical tradition, particularly in relation to the Exodus and the Passover celebration.
In the book of Exodus, we read how God instructed the Israelites to prepare for their hasty departure from Egypt: “This is how you are to eat it: with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand; you will eat it in a hurry: it is the Passover of the Lord” (Ex 12:11). The urgency of their flight meant there was no time for bread to rise, resulting in the use of unleavened bread.
This historical event became the foundation for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day observance commanded by God: “For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you will remove leaven from your houses” (Ex 12:15). This feast was to be a perpetual reminder of God’s deliverance and the Israelites’ swift exodus from bondage.
The symbolism of leaven in Scripture is multifaceted. While it can represent the spread of God’s kingdom (Mt 13:33), it more often symbolizes sin or corrupt teaching. Jesus warned his disciples, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod” (Mk 8:15).
In Catholic tradition, the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist connects the Last Supper with the Passover meal and symbolizes Christ’s sinlessness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ” (CCC 1333).
REFLECTION
For Christians today, the symbolism of unleavened bread invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Just as the Israelites left behind the “leaven” of their old life in Egypt, we are called to leave behind sinful habits and attitudes that hinder our relationship with God. St. Paul exhorts us: “Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Cor 5:7-8).
As we partake in the Eucharist, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice and our call to holiness. The unleavened bread of the communion wafer symbolizes our participation in Christ’s pure and sinless nature. It challenges us to examine our lives, identify areas where the “leaven” of sin may have crept in, and recommit ourselves to living with integrity and faithfulness.
In our modern context, this ancient symbol encourages us to be vigilant against the subtle influences of worldly values and to nurture a pure and sincere faith. It reminds us that our Christian journey, like the Exodus, is one of continuous transformation and growth in holiness, always relying on God’s grace and guidance.
The use of unleavened bread in our faith practices calls us to a life of sincerity and truth. Let us strive to rid our lives of the leaven of sin and embrace the purity and holiness that Christ exemplifies. As we journey through life, may we continually seek God’s guidance, relying on His grace to transform and renew us. Let the symbol of unleavened bread remind us of our call to live out our faith with integrity, being vigilant against the subtle influences that may lead us astray, and always striving to grow in our relationship with God.