And the Table Will Be Wide

I am not sure why it has taken so long, but I have just recently been introduced to the work of Jan L. Richardson. Jan is an author and artist who has blessed the Church for decades. Her talents are many. My entryway into her books and art came after my wife and I were preaching as guests in a local church two months ago. After my sermon, the pastor used the following poem before welcoming the congregation to partake in the Lord’s Supper. I found it beautiful. Emily and I had come to minister to others, but that time of Communion ended up ministering greatly to us.

This particular poem can be found on Jan’s Painted Prayer Book, and her many works can be enjoyed or purchased through http://janrichardson.com.

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 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 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 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.