David's Table Grace #2

Lord Christ,
Firstborn of all that is,
All our being comes from you.

You are our Nourishment.
You are our Host.
You feed us with your very self.

We give you thanks for these gifts of this table.
May they remind us of the table of rich foods you set for all people.
And as you are our divine Host,
may we serve as your hosts for all.

Amen.

This grace was inspired by the reading I've done on Biblical hospitality for my teaching event. Christ is truly the perfect Host, not only inviting us to his table, but feeding us with his very self.

Hospitality was practiced in the ancient world between social unequals. There was no possibility of reciprocation. We can't possibly reciprocate Christ for our very existence and continued nourishment, but we can act as hosts of Christ's table for others, whether in worship, at the food pantry, or hosting in our homes.

There are several Scriptural references. Christ as "firstborn of all that is" alludes to Colossians 1. I am borrowing from Isaiah 25 for the image of Christ's table. Also, I was inspired by Julian of Norwich's comparison of Christ to a nurturing mother -- "Our Blessed Mother Jesus feeds us with his very self."

Of course, "Host" is an intended word play!