CHRIST'S Body the Church Algoa Bay Port Elizabeth

You came to earth to form Your Church and, by the things You’ve done,
Your people are united – in You have been made one,
So many, varied people, spread through all the world around
combined to make a family, and with cords of love been bound.

Each person in Your family has a different task to do,
And whether great or humble, each task is done for You;
For just as arms and legs and eyes help make a human frame,
No matter what their function, they’re needed, just the same.

The body of a human would be torn apart in two
if every part decided what it felt led to do;
It’s only when the members of the body play the role
designed by their Creator, is that body fit and whole.

The Church is not a building made of bricks and tiles and paint,
The Church is built of people, and every one a saint,
Each saint called by the Father to do His work below,
And each one has a purpose to help the Church to grow.

The Church, made up of people, is Your own Body, Lord,
People who are meant to love, and be of one accord,
And yet, so very often, there is so much hate and strife
to stunt the growth of the Church, and end its very life.

You are the Head, Lord Jesus, and You have given all
to build Your Church from strength to strength, so it should never fall;
How it must grieve Your Spirit and break Your loving heart
when members of Your Body disagree and tear apart.

The Church is Your own Body, and while on earth she stays
she’s meant to love and give and serve, to worship and to praise,
May she be every faithful – never from her purpose roam
until You come again to take the Church – Your Body – home.

Reproduced by permission
SJA
Copyright