I'd like to share this lovely prayer for the end of Mass which I came across when I was a new priest thirty-eight years ago.We might linger a few moments for the church to empty on Christmas Day, and then move in close to the manger scene to pray. May you experience something of Bethlehem's intimacy.
Strengthen, O Lord,
the hands which have been stretched out
to receive your holy things,
that they may daily bring forth fruit to your glory.
Grant that the ears which have heard your songs
may be closed to the voices of clamour and dispute;
That the eyes which have seen your bright love
may also behold your blessed hope;
That the tongues which have uttered your praise
may speak the truth;
That the feet which have trodden your courts
may walk in the regions of light;
That the souls and bodies which have fed upon
your living Body and blood
may be restored to newness of life. Amen
