We are not our own. Earth forms us,
human leaves on nature's growing vine,
fruit of many generations,
seeds of life divine.
We are not alone. Earth names us:
past and present, peoples near and far,
family and friends and strangers
show us who we are.
Through a human life God finds us;
dying, living, love is fully known,
and in bread and wine reminds us:
we are not our own.
Therefore let us make thanksgiving,
and with justice, willing and aware,
give to earth, and all things living,
liturgies of care.
And if love's encounters lead us
on a way uncertain and unknown,
all the saints with prayer surround us:
We are not alone.
Let us be a house of welcome,
living stone upholding living stone,
gladly showing all our neighbours
we are not our own!
Words: Brian Wren (1936-);
© by Stainer & Bell Ltd. (admin. by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188). (not used here by permission, I got this from Oremus where it is... and where all ordering info can be found)
We read through this piece at choir rehearsal last night. I love it; the rhythm and melody are simple but interesting; but the lyrics were what really grabbed me. I have been thinking very much about ancestors (all the work on Ancestry.com I'm doing, and a family reunion for my husband's side this weekend) and how those who have gone before are a vital part of our great cloud of witnesses. And also how the connections we have with others in our own time are our work of Christ in the world. Liturgies of care, to earth and to one another. This is how we are family in community.
