26-Apr-26 (John 10:1-10)

The Church has always struggled with hearing and understanding the voice of our Shepherd.  In those awful times when we don't hear right, the Church becomes a very human institution and in terrible need of reform.  In those glorious times when we get it right, the Church becomes a beacon and a guide for the world around us, just like that Shepherd's voice.  The Table is one place where we can see and hear that voice in clear form.  It is the sacrifice of our Lord, to create the way for us to have a full relationship with God that is the core of our faith and the Gospel.  It is here that we come together to remember the One who is our Host and, in that remembering, make it more likely that we'll hear and understand that voice when we hear it in the other times of our lives.

Let us pray.

Prayer:

God of us all,
We thank you for Jesus, who is known to us in these symbols of broken bread and cup.  As we remember Jesus sacrifice for us, unstop our hearts and soften our hearts that we may truly recognize, understand, and act on your voice as you speak to us.
AMEN.