On Sundays, Night Prayer will focus on an element from the day's celebration of Mass. Tonight, on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we reflect on the Supper of the Lord...
Lord, how sad when we debate
the meaning of the meal you shared,
the night before you died...
How tragic when we make
of the altar of your sacrifice
a table of division:
some are welcome - others not..
It's your meal, Lord,
your food for us,
the table you have set for us
for whom you gave your life..
It's your sacrament of unity
for broken, sinful souls
who thirst and hunger for your grace,
your pardon and your peace...
Gathered with your friends
in your people's ancient rite,
you made yourself our passover, the sacrificial lamb,
breaking your body in the bread we break,
offering your blood in our blessing cup...
You gave us yourself in this paschal meal
as you did again today, for every time
we eat this bread and drink this cup
we proclaim your saving death
- until you come again...
When two or three but gather
in your holy, blessed name,
there you are among us, Lord,
- just as you have promised!
How much more real then your presence
when we gather for your supper
and you feed us with your love, your self:
our bread, your body broken
for the pardon of our sins,
our wine, your blood poured out for us
in mercy, love and peace...
Your precious body, precious blood,
here in bread and wine,
for here you set your table, Lord,
here a feast divine...
Your bread of love is broken, shared
your cup of life is poured,
we share the meal that heals and saves,
we share your supper, Lord...
Come, heal all our sad divisions, Lord,
and mend your broken Church
and by the power of your Spirit
make us one in you, in love...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
The Supper of the Lord by Laurence Rosania
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