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In that fellowship around the table
When the presider invokes the saints of past and present
I always think of those from the future as well,
For this is a moment outside of time.

This morning I look upon the elders,
There is Paula, blind and mostly deaf,
Her friend assists her,
But she is the one holding the wine,
Speaking the words,
"The blood of Christ,"
Attesting to their power.

Sue also offers the cup.
(I'm not sure if her husband is here today
Or still recovering from his recent injuries)
She is seated in her wheelchair,
Evidence that the polio vaccine
Is not that old an invention,
And evidence of God's strength shown not only in weakness,
But in strong convictions and outspokeness.

As Eric holds the bread
I cannot help but think
That among those unseen saints around this table
Julia sees with joy
Their daughter in a newly-blended family,
Testifying to the Spirit of adoption
That unites us all.

In this moment out of time
I catch a glimpse of that future...
No longer do we see in a glass darkly,
But face to face,
And clearly we hear those gracious words.
Because of the body broken for us
There are no more broken bodies,
No more death, or pain, or sorrow.
There is but one family,
Where we all are brothers and sisters
And children well-beloved.

Communion VI Substance Deluge