And the Table Will Be Wide
And the table will be wide.
And the welcome will be wide.
And the arms will open wide to gather us in.
And our hearts will open wide to receive.
And the welcome will be wide.
And the arms will open wide to gather us in.
And our hearts will open wide to receive.
And we will come as children who trust there is enough.
And we will come unhindered and free.
And our aching will be met with bread.
And our sorrow will be met with wine.
And we will come unhindered and free.
And our aching will be met with bread.
And our sorrow will be met with wine.
And we will open our hands to the feast without shame.
And we will turn toward each other without fear.
And we will give up our appetite for despair.
And we will taste and know of delight.
And we will turn toward each other without fear.
And we will give up our appetite for despair.
And we will taste and know of delight.
And we will become bread for a hungering world.
And we will become drink for those who thirst.
And the blessed will become the blessing.
And everywhere will be the feast.
And we will become drink for those who thirst.
And the blessed will become the blessing.
And everywhere will be the feast.
– Jan Richardson
© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.
I have loved this Prayer for World Communion Day by Jan Richardson from the first time I read it. It encompasses EUCHARIST in the truest sense for me. The table is wide and all are welcome to receive the loving, merciful, forgiving, presence of Jesus Christ. And when we give thanks, God creates an abundance to be shared! When we receive the body and blood of Christ, we say "Amen" not just to the Real Presence, but to becoming "bread for a hungering world, and drink for those who thirst." And we give thanks for being blessed to be the blessing!! It just so happens that there is a song that Kristyn shared with me a year or two ago that I have used on various occasions, and maybe in Flocknote, but since I'm not sure, we all have the pleasure of listening once again . It's a good one (makes me cry every time) and goes perfectly with our theme for the year, "We're Home", and with Thanksgiving, and with Eucharist... It's a trifecta of terrific!
This song is such a great reminder that the Eucharistic feast isn't a meal for the perfect, but for all of the perfectly imperfect sinners, US!! "We're all a little broken and everyone belongs..."
Two Opportunities For All Of Us Sinners Growing Into Saints To Gather
AND
Fell Free to Invite Others... That's How We Get A House With A Crowded Table!
TWO TIME SENSITIVE INVITES
THIS SUNDAY!!
It's not too late to participate. Corinne has lots of supplies, but if you could click the button to let her know if you are coming and if you need a wreath form and greens or just greens to spruce up what you already have that would be wonderful. If you have family in town celebrating an early Thanksgiving, they are invited. If you know a young adult or a homebound individual who might like one but is nervous or unable to come, bring them along or just make them one. EVERY home needs an Advent wreath!
THE MACC ADVENT RETREAT IS A "GO"!
We just received confirmation this week that Sister Nancy Murray, OP will be joining us on December 3 from 9:00-2:00 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to help us "prepare our hearts and households to receive the gift of Jesus anew this Christmas." Sister Nancy is a nun who has a gift for acting and will lead reflections on Advent through the life and experiences of St. Catherine of Sienna. Sr. Nancy will dress and interact as this 14th Century Italian saint!! How cool is THAT?!
You can find out more about the day and Sr. Nancy by visiting the parish website:
Though you found more info there, due to such a short lead time, you won't find a registration link there. Please email me, lynp@blessed-midland.org or call the Parish Center to register.
Wishing each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration stuffed full of all of the best and most important things: family, friends, safe travel, prayer, love, and pie... there always needs to be pie for heaven's sake... It's Thanksgiving!
With Extra Helpings of Gratitude and Joy,
lyn