INVITATION TO THE TABLE

The Lord’s Supper was given to all the dis-

ciples—to him who should betray Him, to him

who should deny Him, to him who loved Him

so—to Judas as well as to John. Christ imposed

no conditions. He trusted to the appeal of His

love. He did not say: “If you will serve me

faithfully, eat this bread and take this cup.”

Then Peter could never have supped with Him.

It was after the meal that His love began to

probe them. He did not fence the table nor dare

I; nor would I.—Maltbie Babcock.

If there be any who hunger and thirst, come.

Here is bread, here is wine. If anyone thinks

himself clad from top to bottom of his soul in

righteousness, he would better go. This is no

place for him. If any one knows that he has

faults, that he has sinned, and is discontented

with himself, let him come to this table and be

fed. Taking the broken bread, let him by that

symbol remember that Christ’s body was broken

for him. Taking the wine, let him accept the

cup of salvation by faith and with thanksgiving.

—Henry Ward Beecher.

Wherefore ye that do truly and earnestly re-

pent of your sins, and are in love and charity

with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new

life, following the commandments of God, and

walking from henceforth in his holy ways, draw

near with faith, and take this Holy Sacrament

to your comfort; and devoutly kneeling, make

your humble confession to Almighty God.

Book of Common Prayer