Consumed in Grace

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 CLASSIC POEM: Consumed in Grace Catherine of Siena I first saw God when I was a child, six years of age. the cheeks of the sun were pale before Him, and the earth acted as a shy girl, like me. Divine light entered my heart from His love that did never fully wane, though indeed, dear, I can understand how a person’s faith can at time flicker, for what is the mind to do with something that becomes the mind’s ruin: a God that consumes us in His grace. I have seen what you want; it is there, a Beloved of infinite tenderness. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Grace U2 Grace She takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace It’s the name for a girl It’s also a thought that Changed the world And when she walks on the street You can hear the strings Grace finds goodness In everything Grace She’s got the walk Not on a ramp or on chalk She’s got the time to talk She travels outside Of karma, karma She travels outside Of karma When she goes to work You can hear her strings Grace finds beauty In everything Grace She carries a world on her hips No champagne flute for her lips No twirls or skips between her fingertips She carries a pearl In perfect condition What once was hurt What once was friction What left a mark No longer stings Because Grace makes beauty Out of ugly things Grace finds beauty In everything Grace finds goodness in everything Songwriters: Adam Clayton / Dave Evans / Larry Mullen / Paul Hewson Grace lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group