RW 177, “Bread of Life from Heaven”
Devotion
We have a rich heritage of music and faith from our Latin American neighbors. From Argentina comes a traditional tune, “Santo, Santo, Santo,” which offers the heartfelt praise, Santo eres Dios. This haunting refrain is linked with contemporary text by Susan Briehl and a tune by Marty Haugen in today’s hymn.
At the weekly communion meal at our little church in central Kentucky, young and old gather to receive the body and blood of our Lord. Piano and guitar lead the worshippers in song. A widow bows her head in prayer, remembering the communion of saints; a father touches my hand when receiving the bread; a young child returns the blessing, whispering out loud, “Jesus loves you too, Pastor.” The community of faith is a living testimony of our song. We eat the bread, we believe Easter, we trust Christ’s return and, with every breath, we praise the Holy One of God. Gloria a Dios.
Prayer
Santo eres Dios. Holy are you, o Lord. Thank you for bread broken, abounding and blessed. Thank you for the wine outpoured. Let your body and blood nurture us as your redeemed until we feast with you in heaven. Amen.