Friday, February 15, 2013

holy mysteries

Alrighty folks - I've been doing this priestly thing for a while now, and I still never cease to be moved by the celebration of the holy mysteries.  Each week, the Eucharist maintains the ability to reach beyond "what we can ask or imagine".  
The Book of common prayer uses the phrase that follows at the administration:
"The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat
this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on
him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving."

I've taken to using "The body of Christ broken in love for you"

But lately I've been finding myself searching for some different, simple words.  Something that fits with the season.  Something that might prompt a different encounter with the sacraments.  I've been doing some research in different prayer books across the countries, and even the translations are slightly different and offer a different perspective.  But I'm also torn.  I know the comfort that the same words can offer.  Week after week, some continuity can be both comforting and confronting.  So I've compiled some thoughts for the distribution of the elements for various seasons.  Some I like, some are only just passable.  (but you should have seen what I discarded... sheesh!).  I'd be interested in some feedback both on the concept of changing the words slightly, as well as comments on what follows below:

Lent:
The body of Christ....strength for the journey, given for you
The body of Christ... sustain you in hope and love
The body of Christ.... calling you to repentance.
The body of Christ.... to uphold you in truth and life.
The body of Christ... light in our darkness... given for you

Palm Sunday
The body of Christ uphold you with courage and faith

Maundy Thursday
The body of Christ.... broken in love for you.
And the disciples knew the Lord in the breaking of the bread

Easter
Alleluia Christ is Risen!!!

Easter Season
The body of Christ... to help us live the good news we proclaim

Pentecost Sunday
The body of Christ transform daily through through the Holy Spirit
The body of Christ to heal and reconcile our brokenness

Trinity Sunday
The body of Christ made one in praise and love
The body of Christ the mercy of God, the hope of the Spirit, given for you

Pentecost Season (feria)
The body of Christ which gives life to the world
The body of Christ strengthen you, as you transform the world

Advent
The body of Christ, light in our darkness
The body of Christ.... light incarnate.

Christmas
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, given for you

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