Last week, we sang a hymn I really like. It's funny, because at the seminary we get really invested in singing hymns that aren't just old and scandinavian, and we try to sing some of the songs that are in our hymnal that came from other nations and people around the world. It's funny, because this hymn, while relatively new, is still written by some white guys. (The text, at least, is written by an Episcopalian, so there's a gold star for ecumenism.) It's funny, because sometimes I get stuck assuming that old hymns by white guys can't have incredible lyrics bursting with radical theology. Sometimes, I'm pleasantly surprised.
As we gather at your table, as we listen to your word,
help us know, O God, your presence; let our hearts and minds be stirred.
Nourish us with sacred story till we claim it as our own;
teach us through this holy banquet how to make Love's victory known.
Turn our worship into witness in the sacrament of life;
send us forth to love and serve you, bringing peace where there is strife.
Give us, Christ, your great compassion to forgive as you forgave;
may we still behold your image in the world you died to save.
Gracious Spirit, help us summon other guests to share that feast
where triumphant Love will welcome those who had been last and least.
There no more will envy blind us nor will pride our peace destroy,
as we join with saints and angels to repeat the sounding joy.
As We Gather at Your Table, ELW #522
Carl P. Daw, Jr.
Julius Röntgen