16-Apr-23 (John 20:19-31)

It's not just us at the Table right now.  In God's time, all people in all times and in all places are gathered here to remember.  So, as the writer of Hebrews puts it, "We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses," from those first disciples who like Thomas actually saw the risen Lord and touched his hands and side, to the martyrs who gave their life in witness to their faith, to the strong leaders who called the people to a witness of unity and simple faith, to us.  It is the Lord's Table and it is he who calls all of us here to make up the Body of Christ in all times and places.

Let us pray.

Prayer:

God of us all,
We thank you for Jesus, who gave himself that we might live a life worthy of his calling.  We thank you for these symbols of his sacrifice and for all the witnesses that have gathered with us in God's time at the Table.  We pray that, as we remember our Lord, you would help us to become more like him.  We pray in the name of Jesus, our Host.
AMEN.