Bread of Life Hope of the World - Farrell

Text over a picture of the Rock of the Eucharistic Miracle in Bolsena 1253 Chorus: Bread of life, hope of the world, Jesus Christ, our brother: feed us now, give us life, lead us to one another. 1 As we proclaim your death, as we recall your life, we remember your promise to return again. 2 The bread we break and share was scattered once as grain: just as now it is gathered, make your people one. 3 We eat this living bread, we drink this saving cup: sign of hope in our broken world, source of lasting love. 4 Hold us in unity, in love for all to see; that the world may believe in you, God of all who live. 5 You are the bread of peace, you are the wine of joy, broken now for your people, poured in endless love.

This reflective hymn about the Eucharist was written by English Roman Catholic composer, church-musician and social-justice activist (ref) Bernadette Farrell (b 1957). It was first published in 1982 in the Restless is the Heart collection.

Sheet music is still available from OCP.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Farrell. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are C C D_ F FF G_ with accompanying chords F / Gm7 / F.

Downloads

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Examples

Choir with piano, professional recording:

Original recording:

Instrumental - guitar:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Bread of life, hope of the world,
Jesus Christ, our brother:
feed us now, give us life,
lead us to one another.

1 As we proclaim your death ...

2 The bread we break and share ...

3 We eat this living bread ...

4 Hold us in unity ...

5 You are the bread of peace ...