The Table is Always Set

Communion had just ended at the Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The choir sang its last note and the celebrant was about to speak when a loud voice rang out from the back of the church. An usher, who had been trying to maintain a muffled tone, called out, “No, no, it’s too late,” to a man in a wheelchair who had come to Mass late and was trying to break free from the usher’s grip and wheel down the centre aisle. The man, angry and frustrated, was uttering words that weren’t clearly audible. Finally a deacon asked, “What is it you want, sir?”

“I want to eat,” the man said, pointing to the altar.

“You want Communion?” the deacon asked politely.

“Yes, I want Communion,” said the man straining to master each syllable he spoke.

“Well, then, by all means, come and eat,” said the deacon as he walked alongside the wheelchair to the altar where he offered the man bread and wine.

Transfixed by this exchange, no one uttered a sound, until the priest, with outstretched arms, Father Ken said, “Let us pray. Lord, may our sharing in the mystery of the Eucharist bring us to new life”.

It was clear to everyone there that day that new life had already begun at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where the last and first are all served.