And now we have come to the time when we share a sacred meal.

Gatherings these days are fraught with danger.

Sports, restaurants, life events, even dinner with a couple of friends – all can rain disaster on us.

Essential workers among us gather perhaps against their wishes, against their better judgment, caught between gathering on the front lines of pandemic or losing the economic means of life.

Protesters gather, as well, facing down the twin viruses of covid and racism.

Even our tiniest gatherings in our homes can now be steeped in anxiety, stress, and too much familiarity that can make hearts and mind tired and distant.

But here,

here we gather in this virtual way to share a meal we have been promised is a means of grace, of “god with us,” of community and hope.

We gather as Jesus did with his disciples that fateful night.

A regular meal that became more than.

Bread, he took, and blessed and gave.

Wine, he poured, and blessed and gave.

Do this. Eat. Drink. And remember. he said.

We gather to remember jesus, to eat and drink to renewal,

Eat and drink of resurrection.

It isn’t magic; it is covenant – a work of faith.

Let us pray:

Bread and wine we offer to you, O God, and receive them as you offer them back to us – a consecrated meal, a consecrated people. Feed us with your spirit and let us rise to feed the world. Amen.

Now let’s eat. These are the gifts of God for the people of God.

After all have eaten…

From your table of grace, O God, send us to your world. Let us be your people, bearing your love. Amen.