Following this morning's post reflecting on the Largesse of Jesus, I later found myself singing the lovely hymn, Help Us Accept Each Other. The lyrics were written by Fred Kaan and the tune is Kings Lynn. It is found in the Worship II hymnal.
We might ask the parish music director if it could be taught to the folks for Mass. It's the kind of hymn which has the power to change and evolve us. The lyrics, and this new icon of a young and very beautiful Jesus, call us to a deep meditation.
Help us accept each other
As Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother,
Each person to embrace,
Be present, Lord, among us,
And bring us to believe
We are ourselves accepted
And meant to love and live.
Teach us, O Lord, your lessons,
As in our daily life
We struggle to be human
And search for hope and faith,
Teach us to care for people,
For all, not just for some;
To love them as we find them,
Or, as they may become.
Let your acceptance change us,
So that we may be moved
In living situations
To do the truth in love;
To practice your acceptance,
Until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness
And laughter's healing art.
Lord, for today's encounters
With all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance,
For righteousness and bread,
We need new eyes for seeing,
New hands for holding on;
Renew us with your Spirit;
Lord, free us, make us one!
