Praying the Communion Antiphon Series: Saturday Fifth Week of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart: Saturday Fifth Week of Lent

Gathered Into One

Communion Antiphon (John 11:52)
Christ was handed over to gather into one the scattered children of God.

 

Thinking About the Words

“Christ was handed over…”

We have heard this phrase already this week.

• God did not spare His Son
• He was handed over

Now we see why.

“To gather into one…”

This is beautiful.

Sin scatters. Fear divides. Wounds separate. Christ comes to gather.

Not just individuals but a people, and not just a people- a people He calls as His own - - the children of God.

“The scattered children of God.”

This is very tender.

We are not described as:

• failures
• strangers

But as children.

Even when scattered…we still belong.

 

A Very Gentle Insight

This antiphon does not ask anything of us. It simply tells you:

You are being gathered.

Even in weakness. Even in tiredness. Even in not being at full strength.

Christ’s work is not dependent on our energy.

He is quietly drawing us into Himself.

 

Connection to the Gospel

Today’s Gospel (John 11:45–56):

The authorities decide:

“It is better that one man die for the people…”

They think in terms of control and survival.

However, John tells us something deeper:

Jesus will die not just for one nation, but to gather all into one.

What they intend as destruction becomes unity.

 

At Communion

At Communion, this becomes very real.

We come:

• from different places
• with different burdens

And we are gathered into one Body.

 

Reflection

• Where do I feel scattered right now?
• Can I allow Christ to gather me, even in my weakness?
• What would it mean simply to rest in Him?

 

On the Last day of Lent (weekdays) before we head into Holy week, the Church through the Communion Antiphon leaves us with the purpose of Jesus for coming to us on earth- to gather us into one children of God. Even holding the thought ‘Christ gathers me’ throughout this coming Holy Week may help us as we enter into the holiest week of the year.

NB Lent officially ends at midday on Holy Thursday. There is the Mass of the Last Supper in the evening. It is a time of moving from Lent into the Tridium (ie Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday).

Prayer

Lord,
when I feel scattered and tired,
gather me into your peace.
Hold me close
and make me one with you.

 

Personal Note: During this week I have been quite sick with a severe flu and incessant cough. I am on the road to recovery but still not completely better.   You may notice that some posts are posted on the same day.  I am trying to catch up.