Praying the Communion antiphon Thursday Fifth Week of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart: Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent

Handed Over

Communion Antiphon (Romans 8:32)
God did not spare his own Son,
but handed him over for us all.

 

Thinking About the Words

“God did not spare his own Son…”

This is one of the most striking lines in Scripture.

It echoes the story of Abraham and Isaac —
but here, God does what Abraham was not required to do.

He does not hold back.

There is no hesitation. No withholding. He does not hold back because of His love for His Father and for us.

“But handed him over…”

This phrase is very important.

“Handed over” appears again and again in the Passion:

• Judas hands Jesus over
• the authorities hand Him over
• Pilate hands Him over

But here we see the deeper truth:

God Himself hands over the Son.

Not as an act of cruelty but as an act of love.

“For us all.”

This is universal. Not just for a few. Not just for the worthy. For all. That all includes me.

 

A Deeper Insight

This verse shows us something essential:

The Cross is not an accident. It is not simply human betrayal. It is also divine self-giving. God gives what is most precious.

 

The Lenten Movement

Now we are very close to Holy Week.

Earlier we saw:

• mercy
• light
• invitation
• “lifted up”

Now we see the cost in its clearest form:

Nothing is held back.

 

Connection to the Gospel

Today’s Gospel (John 8:51–59):

Jesus declares:

“Before Abraham was, I AM.”

And they pick up stones.

The tension is at its peak.

Rejection is growing.

And the antiphon tells us:

Even this rejection will become part of the mystery.

Because Jesus is not only rejected.  He is given.

 

At Communion

This antiphon is deeply moving at Communion.  We receive the One who has been:

given… handed over… not spared And we realise: This is not distant. This is for us.

 

Reflection

• Do I recognise the depth of what God has given for me?
• Where do I still think God holds something back?
• How does it change my understanding of love to see that nothing is spared?
• How might I respond to such a gift?

 

There is something very quiet and powerful here.

Earlier we saw:

“Neither do I condemn you.”
“You will know when I am lifted up.”

Now we see:

He is given.

And Lent leads us to this truth:

God holds nothing back in loving us.

 

Prayer

Lord,
you did not hold back your Son,
but gave him for us all.
Help me to receive this love
and to trust in your generosity.