People who meet Jesus

The communion tab le is covered in a plethora of symbols that remind us of stories of Jesus such as stones, and bread and seeds, and money, an flowers etc. In among these there are four candles. After each verse one of the candles is lit and 'God made me as I am' by Bernadette Farrell is sung.

Voice 1:
It was his hands I noticed:
rough and cut,
working hands.
They felt sore
as they touched me,
and called me back into life,
as they took my hands
and led me from the bed.
I thought I was dying in,
and called for food to be brought.
Jairus’ daughter was alive again!
Rough hands, but kind,
willing to give,
and they gave something of himself:
hope and new life.

(God made me as I am)

Voice 2:
It was his eyes I noticed:
deep,
that saw through me
to my soul,
and spoke there.
His eyes said everything.
‘Is there anyone left to condemn you?’
I heard him.
I saw his lips move.
But his eyes carried the message,
that deep longing and intent
to forgive and renew.
‘No!’ I said,
‘No one is left to condemn.’
‘Then go and sin no more.’
And his eyes stared at me,
and smiled,
and I knew I was forgiven
and alive once more.

(God made me as I am)

Voice 3:
It was his feet I noticed.
I had been stooped for 12 years.
I was used to noticing feet.
His were like everyone else’s:
rough,
cut,
dirty.
They had travelled far
and now they stopped
just as I touched him,
and turned towards me,
little plumes of dust settling,
and he called me to stand straight.
I hesitated,
then found my gaze,
not directed at his feet,
but at his face,
and I have never looked at feet again.

(God made me as I am)

Voice 4:
I have never seen him,
or heard his voice.
I know not what he looks like,
or how his hands feel,
or how deep his stare,
or where his feet have been.
But I have met him,
in every story of faith,
in every bread that has been broken,
and every table open to strangers,
in every place love is set free,
and every moment justice breaks through.
I have never seen him.
but I see him everywhere.