There are no walls around this table

There are no walls around this table,

No fence to climb, no gate to bar.

The One who calls us all is able

To welcome all from near and far. 

See how Christ calls us all together

To take the bread and share one cup!

He draws us in the Spirit’s tether

To hold us fast and lift us up.

 

As Jesus shared at that first table

With those he called and then called friends,

So now he leads us to enable

All folk to share this meal that mends.

There is no guard or sentry posted,

No keeper there to block the way; 

There’s just one table that is hosted

By One who bids us come and stay.

 

And there’s no border ‘round this table; 

All whom the Spirit calls may come. 

Whatever color, love, or label,

Our Lord calls all and not just some.

There are no walls around this table,

No fence to climb, no gate to bar. 

The One who calls us all is able

To welcome all from near and far.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, June 2021.

MUSIC: Tune WAYFARING STRANGER, American folk melody. 

A week of listening to headlines about religious authorities of differing-yet-similar types working as hard as they can to exclude some people – even from the table – produced this admittedly radical statement about who exactly is welcome at the table, and who I as pastor have the authority to turn away.