Theological Pretzels… Hello weekend readers. My musings today include pretzels because today is National Pretzel Day which was officially declared in 2003 by the Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell to acknowledge the pretzel’s importance to the state’s history and economy. You are probably asking “Cyndy, what’s in a pretzel that has to do with a devotion?” Actually, more than you realize! So, grab a beer (they go well with pretzels) get your hummus or other dips you like, and let’s have a fun National Pretzel Day with pretzels and monks and I suspect Jesus as well because he probably would have loved pretzels, too!

Here are the origins and history of the pretzel started by an Italian monk in the 6th century who was a baker for the monastery. He invented the pretzel and it quickly became one of the most popular foods! The monk wanted something tasty that people would like and would also please God. So, he used the pretzel’s shape, symbolizing the crossing of arms in prayer, as a reward for children learning their prayers. The idea and the tasty treat brought children and adults back to church and pretzels and prayers abounded. He named his creation “pretiola,” which is Latin for “little reward.” He would tell them that the three holes represented the Holy Trinity! But hang on–there is more…

Some believed the pretzel’s ingredients, especially flour and water, were suitable for fasting during Lent and the pretzel kept getting more noticed and eaten! Pretzels were so loved that they made their way into history books and European culture. In the Catholic church, the pretzel–being symbolic of prayer and penance–is a small but powerful instrument in bringing families to God. By 1440 the pretzel’s form was a symbol of good luck, long life, faith and prosperity. It wasn’t until the 19th century when North America got their pretzels, thanks to the Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants who brought them on the boat! Thousands of Dutch immigrants came to the state and their pretzels put Pennsylvania on the map as a major producer of pretzels–particularly after the 18th century when German immigrants started pretzel bakeries. To this day the pretzel industry has a significant economic impact on Pennsylvania, particularly in cities like Philadelphia and cities with large pretzel bakeries. And one more thing about pretzels—their form was used in all kinds of exercise programs from ancient to today’s Yoga and other exercises! Winding your body like a pretzel can’t be easy!

Who would have thought a snack could be so beloved? The Italian monk just wanted to make something to please God and people. Obviously he would have never known how this crunchy treat has become beloved throughout the entire globe. So the question today for you and me is “how do we please God?”

Hebrews 11:6 [NLT] says: “…it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”  Meaning the faith we have in God gives us the ability to please God! 1 Thessalonians 2:4 [NLT] gives another important meaning: “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God—not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” Our words are important, we share the Gospel with people not to please them but to give them the gift of life in Jesus Christ.

I’m not sure if God has eaten a pretzel—but I do know that the monk who developed it was loved by God because God gave him the ability to make it and he did it and that pleased God. Remember, pleasing God is a 2-way exchange. We please God, God pleases us and you never know, God just might say “if you’re having a tough day eat a pretzel!” AMEN!