Tune: “Fairest Lord Jesus”
(Crusaders’ Hymn: 5.6.8.5.5.8)
Seeker of justice, turner of the tables
One who made sure that the poor were fed
Land for the landless, home for the homeless
And baskets filled with fish and bread.
Friend of the friendless, lover of the enemy,
Love that conventions cannot contain,
Boundless compassion, put into action
For peace beyond all selfish aims.
Mystical teacher, lover of the Holy One
Faithful beyond any rites or creeds
One with creation, in adoration
Revealed in humble prayers and deeds.
Storm-riding mariner, death-defying leader
With you in courage we seek to stand
Stilling the waves of fear, through chilling winds we steer
Till on that peaceful shore we land.
Hearer of children, healer of the broken ones
Finder of truth in what some despise
Touch the untouchable, love the unlovable
Till finally we see through your eyes.
Breaker of holy bread, pourer of the sacred wine
Ours are the hands that will serve your feast,
This bread is food indeed, this wine is what we need
To let the Spirit be released.
Jim Burklo, Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, writes regularly for the ProgressiveChristianity.org liturgy project. Many of his liturgical materials can be found in his book Birdlike and Barnless: Meditations, Prayers, and Songs for Progressive Christians (2008, St Johann Press). Explore his blog.
