The Best Supper © Jan L. Richardson
Reading from the Gospels for World Communion Sunday
& Proper 22/Ordinary 27/Pentecost +19, Year B: Mark 10.2-16
“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
―Mark 10.15-16
And the Table Will Be Wide
A Blessing for World Communion Sunday
And the table
will be wide.
And the welcome
will be wide.
And the arms
will open wide
to gather us in.
And our hearts
will open wide
to receive.
And we will come
as children who trust
there is enough.
And we will come
unhindered and free.
And our aching
will be met
with bread.
And our sorrow
will be met
with wine.
And we will open our hands
to the feast
without shame.
And we will turn
toward each other
without fear.
And we will give up
our appetite
for despair.
And we will taste
and know
of delight.
And we will become bread
for a hungering world.
And we will become drink
for those who thirst.
And the blessed
will become the blessing.
And everywhere
will be the feast.
– Jan Richardson
For a previous reflection on World Communion Sunday, visit The Best Supper, which includes “Table Blessing.” And Happy Feast of St. Francis this week! For a reflection on this beloved saint, whose day is October 4, visit Feast of St. Francis.
Using Jan’s artwork…
To use the image “The Best Supper,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. (This is also available as an art print. After clicking over to the image’s page on the Jan Richardson Images site, just scroll down to the “Purchase as an Art Print” section.) Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!
Using Jan’s words…
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this blog without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. Please include this info in a credit line: “© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.” For other uses, visit Copyright Permissions.
I also want to invite you to visit the Calendar page on my main website, where you’ll find a listing of events that Gary and I will be involved with during the coming months and beyond. We’re excited about connecting with folks at gatherings that will take us across the country and back again, and we’re especially looking forward to collaborating in cyberspace to offer you an online retreat for Advent and Christmas. Wherever you are, we would love to share some sacred space with you!
September 30, 2012 at 1:50 PM |
I don’t know which I like better-this artwork or poem. Thank you for blessing me with your gifts this Sabbath day.
October 3, 2012 at 12:05 PM |
Thank you, Cynthia! I’m grateful for the blessing of your words. Peace to you.
September 30, 2012 at 2:15 PM |
So beautiful. Thank you so much!
October 3, 2012 at 12:11 PM |
Many thanks, Claire! Blessings to you and yours as autumn approaches. I’m grateful for you and your blog.
October 3, 2012 at 2:01 AM |
So beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this.
October 3, 2012 at 12:14 PM |
Thanks, Emily! I’m so pleased to know of your very cool blog! Blessings and gratitude to you.
October 3, 2012 at 11:35 AM |
Hello Jan!
Thank you for your reflection “And the Table will be Wide”. We are bringing to a close a four week series on Hospitality and Community. I would like to use your poem as a responsive reading to close our reflection on Sunday. (with credit to you printed and voiced) if that is ok…. With fond memories of your visit to New Brunswick three years ago!
October 3, 2012 at 12:05 PM |
Shawn, it’s great to hear from you! Many thanks for your words. I have such good memories of my visit there, and of the hospitality that you and the rest of the community offered! I would be delighted for you to use this as a responsive reading—that’s lovely. Many blessings to you and your community, and thank you again.
October 3, 2012 at 1:18 PM |
I love this, and with your permission, would like to us it as a litany this Sunday.
October 3, 2012 at 1:58 PM |
Thank you, Wendy! I’d be delighted for you to use it. If you use it in printed form, thanks for simply indicating that it’s © Jan Richardson. If it suits you to include my primary website as well (janrichardson.com), that would be lovely.
Many blessings to you and your congregation!
October 3, 2012 at 2:08 PM |
Wonderful poem. I would also like to use it at the table tomorrow with attribution
October 3, 2012 at 2:22 PM |
Thanks, Vivan! Very happy for you to use it at the table. Blessings to you and your community.
October 3, 2012 at 4:02 PM |
Hi, I’d like to use And the Table Will Be Wide at the next communion I lead, if that is alright with you, please. Blessings. Julyan
October 3, 2012 at 4:30 PM |
Hi, Julyan—thanks for the greetings from Cornwall! Yes, I’d be delighted for you to use this at your next communion. Blessings to you and your congregation.
October 4, 2012 at 1:22 PM |
Wendy, where are you? I haven’t heard anything about in years – but I was on the West Coast. I’m retired, but serving as interim associate at FPC in Myrtle Beach, SC I’d love to hear from you.
October 5, 2012 at 4:34 PM |
I thank you for your beautiful artwork and poem. Our church family has adopted the theme, “Acceptance, Help, Hope: God is here for you through us. I would love to share this poem with our congregation.
October 5, 2012 at 5:29 PM |
Thank you, Barbara! Very happy for you to share this with your congregation. Many blessings to all of you as you live into the powerful theme that you’ve chosen.
October 6, 2012 at 3:08 PM |
Thanks for your beautiful words and art. I would also like to use your poem at the conclusion of our reflection on World Wide Communion and before our partaking of bread and cup. I will, of course, reference your website as the source.
October 6, 2012 at 7:19 PM |
Thank you, Bonnie! Many blessings to you and your congregation as you celebrate World Communion Sunday tomorrow.
October 6, 2012 at 5:31 PM |
Jan, this poem and artwork is so wonderful! I don’t have a way to use the artwork, unfortunately, in worship but would love to use the blessing at the table. Thank you! Sharlyn
October 6, 2012 at 7:20 PM |
Thanks so much, Sharlyn! Very happy for you to use the blessing. Peace to you and yours as you celebrate at the table.
October 6, 2012 at 6:58 PM |
Ms. Richardson,
I am, as I frequently am, hurrying to finish worship preparation for tomorrow’s World Communion Sunday service. I had my bulletin prepared for copy, then logged on to The Text This Week to ensure that I had the scripture selections correct. Despite my hurry, I stopped and read “And the Table Will Be Wide. I would love to use it tomorrow, but know you will not get the request in time. Plus I would not get through it without tears. May I have permission to use it, with credit, next year?
Thank you so much for your work.
October 6, 2012 at 7:17 PM |
Sara, thanks for your lovely words. I’m delighted you stopped by The Painted Prayerbook! Yes, you’re welcome to use this blessing in worship anytime. I’m always happy for folks to use my blessings in worship, and, for this purpose, it’s not necessary to request permission, provided a credit is given. If it’s used in printed form, I ask that you simply include my name and, if possible, my primary website (janrichardson.com). I’m always happy to hear where a blessing is being used, but know that you’re welcome to use this in worship whenever you wish, without needing to wait for permission!
Thank you again for the gift of your words. I wish you and your congregation many blessings as you celebrate World Communion Sunday.
October 11, 2012 at 6:33 PM |
What a lovely, lovely poem and piece of artwork! “Give up our appetites for despair…” just beautiful!
October 17, 2012 at 5:19 PM |
Thank you, Debora! And thank you for your lovely blog! Blessings to you—
October 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM |
I love this poem so much. Thank you! I used it as the closing of my homily for World Communion Sunday. We include the text of the sermons on our website (www.stmatthews-bowie.org). May I post the homily with your words included? Of course, I will credit your name and website(s).
Blessings on your continued ministry!
October 17, 2012 at 5:21 PM |
Ginger, thanks very much! I’d be pleased for you to include this when you post your homily. Many blessings to you and the folks of St. Matthew’s!
October 20, 2012 at 4:53 PM |
Jan,
Through the years I have been a recipient of your beautiful and profound contemplations of the Word, I think this blessing must be one of the most beautiful and moving. Thank you! May you always be open to the creative gifts you have been given and use so wisely and generously to the joy of so many.
Tender mercies to you and yours…
November 11, 2012 at 6:59 PM |
dear Jan
I check every day to see if you have written something. I’ve been blessed with your thoughts and words in the beautiful way that you have written from your heart. Thank-you
November 18, 2012 at 7:18 AM |
Jan,
It is the wee early hours before dawn as I sit in my room at San Pedro while at an intense Audire Retreat on the subjects of abuse and gender matters, somehow the Holy Spirit led me once again to your website. In my struggle to understand why all cannot be accepted for who they are, I study those at your table. How could it be any different at God’s table when we gather in the end? It MUST be inclusive! Yes, even the cat is welcomed. Thank you for my morning prayer, Margaret
By the way, we are still talking about how wonderfully serene the weekend was when you and Gary blessed us with your gift of presence.
October 3, 2013 at 12:04 PM |
Beautiful poem which I hope to use with your permission on the front of our printed bulletin and have it read by our liturgist during the service. I will give the noted attribution. Your words and your art are so rich and good.
October 3, 2013 at 12:09 PM |
Many thanks, Susan! Blessings to you and your congregation as you celebrate this Sunday.
October 5, 2013 at 7:34 AM |
I love the blessing and may use it at the Martinsburg NY UMC thanks so much for following God’s call and sensing the direction you are to lead others. Amen
October 5, 2013 at 6:42 PM |
I love to read your work every week, and often it informs my words even if I don’t “use” it precisely. This week, though, given your generous offer, I *do* plan to use this poem in worship just prior to celebrating Holy Communion ~ in some responsive form, though I haven’t quite figured it out yet. (What? I have 15 hours to make sense of it!) I know my wee UCC church in Westminster West, VT will really love it, so thanks in advance.
October 5, 2013 at 8:23 PM |
I will be using this in a special Sunday evening service which combines art, poetry and song. Thank you so much–it is beautiful!!!
October 9, 2013 at 8:04 AM |
the art work is wonderful. we could not observe WW Communion servise last week but will do so this Sunday. May use this on the cover of our order of worship. God bless you!
October 4, 2014 at 8:39 AM |
I agree with others – I am not sure which stirs me more – the artwork or the poem – thank you for gifting us with this. I meditated on your poem as part of my preparation for this Sunday’s worship.
January 12, 2015 at 1:55 AM |
Jan – your poem is powerful – it is true – it is what world needs now. It is what the church needs now. I am a Presbyterian minister and with my wife Pauline I co minister a vigorous innovative church and community centre. This year is 100 years since the establishment of our church – we will have many celebrations. In a way or poem encapsulates what we would like to become – a star for our journey. We would like to use it again and again – till our people memorise it – is in their blood. Our church motto is ‘reaching out and welcoming in’. Let me know if there any problems about using your poem as a focus. Thanks Stan Stewart
September 30, 2015 at 11:41 AM |
Thank you. Your poem and artwork are so beautiful. <3
March 24, 2016 at 2:42 PM |
I am preaching tonight for Maundy Thursday, and will be using this poem, with attribution, of course, in my sermon. Thank you so much for your beautiful words.
September 15, 2016 at 9:31 AM |
I’m rereading this article a year later–your prayer is in the Washington Post!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2015/09/15/these-kids-took-a-detour-off-the-career-path-to-live-the-jesuit-values/
September 21, 2016 at 12:24 AM |
I am so thankful God has prepared everything.
October 4, 2016 at 4:54 AM |
Hi Jan, I’d like to use And the Table Will Be Wide at the very first communion I will co-lead next Monday, if that is alright with you, please. Blessings. Giselle
October 7, 2016 at 5:33 PM |
Giselle, thank you! I’d be delighted for you to use “And the Table Will Be Wide.” Many blessings as you prepare to co-lead your first communion!
February 8, 2018 at 9:48 PM |
What a beautiful poem. Thank you. With your permission I would like to use your poem, with acknowledgment, for inspiration at a retreat April 5-8, 2018 at Lutheridge in Arden, NC. We will be creating a Community Art Project called “The Welcome Table” where each participant will create a place setting for someone in the human family. Together we will create a glimpse of heaven – a vision of the great banquet feast!
February 8, 2018 at 9:56 PM |
Many kind thanks, Laura! I would be delighted for you to use this blessing in the way you’ve described. I’m familiar with Lutheridge, and it’s lovely to read about the community art project you’ll be creating during your retreat. Blessings to you and all who share in creating “The Welcome Table”!
February 11, 2018 at 8:03 PM |
Thank you! Discovering your blog and art has been such an inspiration. Holy Hospitality is clearly a topic close to your heart.
October 5, 2018 at 7:30 PM |
this is beautiful – thank you. in a world that needs hope, where we need to be caring creations of Christ, this message is for all of us so strongly. I think it will follow well with my preaching this sunday, if i may have permission?
October 6, 2018 at 5:39 PM |
Thank you, Joy! I’m grateful for your words and would be delighted for you to use “And the Table Will Be Wide” this Sunday. Many blessings to you and your congregation.
September 30, 2019 at 1:39 PM |
Thank You!
September 21, 2020 at 10:14 PM |
Dear Jan, Loved your poem. And The Table Will be Wide . Would love to read it to our congregation on World Wide Communion Sunday 2020 with your permission. Sincerely, Barb Smith , Linesville, Pa.
October 1, 2020 at 10:57 PM |
Thank you kindly, Barb! I’m delighted for you to share this. Many blessings to you and your congregation as you celebrate this Sunday!