Sue O’Donnell. 02.03.21
“It is good for people to eat, drink and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them.” (Ecclesiastes 5 v 18 NLT)
It is the Lord Jesus’ finished work on the †
Which gifts us the most precious banquet.
The food He gives us to eat is Himself,
Come to us as living Bread to feed and nourish our faith.
The drink He gives us is Himself in two ways.
His blood poured out at the †for our forgiveness,
Is the cleansing healing of all sinfulness.
And in addition to this, Jesus gifts us
The living water of the Holy Spirit to replenish us.
We link to the Word of life, God’s Son,
Most fully by depending upon the Holy Eucharist.
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3 v 5 NIV)
Here the joy of receiving our Saviour Brother,
In such a truly remarkable, unique way,
This is the joy which strengthens us, helping us to pray,
The joy which gifts us with a peace giving love.
Love direct from heaven above entering our being.
Blessings are vital for feeding and nourishing our spirit.
We need encouragement and uplift regularly,
How marvellous then to be offered a feast each Sunday,
And mid week, if we make time to attend Mass.
Here we do not have to search for love, nor joy, nor peace.
The Lord Jesus being the hope of our gaining salvation.
“God our Saviour ...wants all (wo)men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2 v 3, 4 NIV)
We come to the banquet laid out on the table,
Hungry to be fed on living Bread,
Eager to receive the chalice to help cleanse us.
It is when purified through the atonement of Christ Jesus,
We can make progress in our pursuit of holiness.
The Lord of hope enters us to make us His own.
This closeness, this intimacy between divinity and humanity,
Is a truly remarkable gift of love from above.
The finished work of the †is presented to us,
By the body and blood of Christ Jesus, here for us.
Herein is the full assurance of heaven awaiting us.
“Once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5 v 9 NIV)
We go out strengthened to pick up our cross to honour Christ Jesus,
Knowing this is a way to delight our Father.
The hope that grows within us, helps us, spurs us on,
Motivates us to share with others the gospel message.
The very work that has been given us to focus upon.
We are to share the measure of hope, peace and joy,
We discover in coming to Christ Jesus in holy communion.
Our union with Him is the highest happiness of all.
Our task now is to call upon His Spirit,
That effectively we can share the true love received.
His is the love which consciously invites love as a response.
“You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.” (St Francis of Assisi “Praises of God”)
“Do not be afraid. God, who is faithful in all His words and holy in all His deeds, will pour His blessings upon you.” (St Clare of Assisi “The Letter of St Clare to Ermentrude of Bruges)
Let us pray in awed thanks for the glory of God, Christ Jesus delivered in us, being made possible in the Holy Eucharist a sacramental mystery.
Let us pray to fully appreciate the link between the victory of Christ’s death on the †and His real presence in the Holy Eucharist.
Let us pray as a people of hope.
Let us pray as being made children of God by the sacrifice of Jesus’ holy life, whereby we experience peace with our Father.
Let us pray as a people of love, a holy love steadfast and true at all times, in all circumstances.
Let us pray with joy, the presence of the Lord Jesus being our strength, Holy Spirit given.
Let us pray to respond to holy love consciously with an outreach to others, especially none believers.
Let us pray with renewed respect and reverence for the gift we receive at the altar.
Let us pray in appreciation of our eyes being opened wider, according to God’s gift of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit of power.
Let us pray to remember times of this unwavering love poured out upon us undeservedly.
Let us pray to fix our gaze upon Christ Jesus.
Let us pray, truly, fully grateful for the gift of holy communion, a promise of unconditional love, mercy and acceptance through forgiveness.
Let us pray as blessed, redeemed children of Christ Jesus.
Let us pray to acknowledge all the times we feel the impact and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Life changer, Faith Enabler.
Let us pray resolved to overcome our brokenness, knowing we are offered healing by the love of Christ Jesus.
Let us pray in awed amazement that Jesus is the living Bread come down from heaven to make us whole in body, soul and spirit.
Let us pray to submit to the Holy Spirit to this end, holding nothing back.
Let us pray to express appreciation that the Lord of Love opens our eyes to become more fully aware of God’s goodness permeating every aspect of daily life, guiding and safeguarding by the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray with gladness to be alive.
Let us pray with thanksgiving for this Lenten season, with its increased emphasis on prayer, fasting and charitable giving.
Let us pray grateful that we can. I ask forgiveness for all faults, failings and straying.
Let us pray rejoicing in the new life we receive in Christ Jesus, becoming His good works in progress.
Let us pray to accept that our true happiness is found when we fix our gaze on Christ Jesus and strive after holiness.
Let us pray for each other’s holiness and happiness as the Lord God “Who takes care of me will supply all your need from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4 v 19 NLT)
Let us pray realising the riches and glory of Christ Jesus are shared with us, Christ Jesus lives in us, all praise and glory ever be.
Let us pray with thanksgiving, rejoicing in the healing mercy, forgiveness and steadfastly faithful love which is offered us in the Sacramental Mystery, re-presenting to us the Lord Jesus’ victory at the †, a perfect love accomplished and shared with us.
Let us pray that in possession of the Lord Jesus’ holy love and His power emanating from the Holy Spirit, asking our Father to give us “Complete knowledge of His will and to give us spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (based on Colossians 1 v 9 NLT)
Let us pray for a godly result that “The way we live will always honour and please the Lord, and our lives will produce every kind of good fruit.” (based on v 10) Amen.
Images by Artist Christine Garwood
http://www.christinegarwoodartist.co.uk/
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EUCHARIST
