The Vast Ocean Begins Just Outside Our Church

The Vast Ocean Begins Just Outside Our Church: The Eucharist

Mary Oliver

 

Something has happened

To the bread

And the wine.

They have been blessed.

What now?

The body leans forward

To receive the gift

From the priest’s hand,

Then the chalice.

They are something else now

From what they were

Before this began.

I want

To see Jesus,

Maybe in the clouds

Or on the shore,

Just walking,

Beautiful man

And clearly

Someone else

Besides.

On the hard days

I ask myself

If I ever will.

Also there are times

My body whispers to me

                                                      That I have.

Commenting on her poem Oliver wrote words of wisdom for theologians.

"Centuries ago theologians claimed they had parsed with precision how God acted on the bread and wine during the celebration of the Eucharist.

This wasn't helpful.

Their lust for certitude bruised a mystery which was best left alone. It eventually birthed theological wars about the nature of a meal that was ironically intended to mend, not tear apart.

I don't need to know what happens to the bread and wine to experience the oceanic love of God that I feel when I receive it, anymore than a newborn needs to know the mother's name and address to see and feel the adoration in her gaze."

To which I wish all God's people might say, "Amen".

Comments

[Lisa Mohapatra]

Amen indeed. Thanks Jim.

[Catriona]

How true.

[Fr. Scott Russell]

As we all mourn the death of Mary Oliver, I'm curious if you can tell us where this poem and commentary exists? One of her books?

[Jim Gordon]

The poem is found in her volume Thirst, page 24. The commentary was I think from an online article / lecture I can't now trace. I'll try later and update if I can.