Easter VI: Bread of Life

 

Voices Found #80

Bread of Life

Refrain:

Bread of life, hope of the world,

Jesus Christ, our brother:--

feed us now, give us life,

lead us-- to one another.

As we proclaim your death, as we recall your life, 

we remember your promise to return again.

Refrain:

The bread we break and share was scattered once as grain:

just as now it is gathered, make your people one.

Refrain:

We eat this living bread, we drink the saving cup;

sign of hope in our broken world, source of lasting love.

Refrain:

Hold us in unity, in love for all to see:

that the world may believe in you, God of all who live.

Refrain:

You are the bread of peace, you are the wine of joy,

broken now for your people, poured out in endless love.

Refrain:

Bread of life, hope of the world,

Jesus Christ, our brother:--

feed us now, give us life,

lead us-- to one another.

Words and Music: Bernadette Farrell (B. 1957)

About the music

Raised in West Yorkshire, Farrell studied at King's College London, and the Guildhall School of Music. Her first commission was from Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the National Pastoral Congress of 1980.

She released five collaborative collections with the St Thomas More Group^[1] from 1985, and seven solo collections from 1990. Her work is published by Oregon Catholic Press.Writing in a variety of styles, Farrell draws inspiration from the English choral tradition as well as the melodic roots of British folk song. Her texts are based on Scripture. She also sets to music the words of other authors, including those of her husband Owen Alstott, and New Zealand writer Shirley Murray

(Wikipedia)

Voices Found, An ecumenical collection

As the Voices Found hymnal committee convened,  we shared a vision for an ecumenical collection, grounded in Anglican congregational song while including hymns from the broad  liturgical tradition throughout music history.   Representatives of the Roman Catholic Communion served on all  hymnal committees. Rosemont College, a  Roman Catholic College for women,  offered generous hospitality, affirmation,  and technical support.  In 2000, I was invited to  share our work leading to  Voices Found at an ecumenical Vatican conference in Rome focusing on women in music and liturgy.  Church Publishing, Inc. sent a pre-publication sampler of Voices Found which was distributed to the interfaith participants who came from round the world. Bernadette Farrell's hymn highlights this ecumenical vision  of Voices Found. 

 Meditation:

Psalm 36:7b-10

All woman-born take shelter in your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light we see light,

Extend your faithful love to those who know you,

and your justice to the upright of heart.

(tr from The Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church)

Reflection:

Ponder the abundant blessings God has showered upon you. Think of one important blessing you have received. How can you share that love?  Thank your faithful Mother and Father in heaven for your abundant life, for food and drink, for the fountain of life. 

Guide us, Faithful One, in the sharing of our blessings.