Friday, July 2, 2021
Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy, we pray with Psalm 106 which is a prayerful inventory of Israel’s long story with God. In today’s liturgy, the psalm follows a similar Genesis recounting of the story of the Abraham-Sarah family.
These two readings remind me of my own family as we have gathered, in our many configurations, over the seven decades of my life. For many early years, I was the listener to the old tales and legends. Gradually, as new generations were born, I became a guardian and teller of our history.
Psalmist 106 is a teller of Israel’s many ups and downs to the place where they now find themselves. By remembering both the darkness and light, the calms and the storms, our psalm testifies to God’s faithful and enduring mercy.
Blessed are they who observe what is right,
who do always what is just.
Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people.
That testimony encourages the listeners that this faithful God can be trusted now and in the future – to abide, forgive, renew, and call believers.
It holds out for us a heritage of fidelity promising to bless the generations with whom we share it.
If you sat down with your life at the table of holy memory, what would your stories be? What storms and rainbows mark your journey? How would your psalm of memory and gratitude read? How is your faith life transmitting this heritage to the next generations?
Visit me with your saving help,
That I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
rejoice in the joy of your people,
and glory with your inheritance.
Poetry: Naked Truth – A Jewish tale retold as a poem by Heather Forest
Naked Truth walked down the street one day. People turned their eyes away. Parable arrived, draped in decoration. People greeted Parable with celebration. Naked Truth sat alone, sad and unattired, “Why are you so miserable?” Parable inquired. Naked Truth replied, “I’m not welcome anymore. No one wants to see me. They chase me from the door.” “It is hard to look at Naked Truth,”Parable explained. “Let me dress you up a bit. Your welcome will be gained.” Parable dressed Naked Truth in story’s fine attire, with metaphor, poignant prose, and plots to inspire. With laughter and tears and adventure to unveil, Together they went forth to spin a tale. People opened their doors and served them their best. Naked Truth dressed in story was a welcome guest.
Music: Heritage of Faith – Babbie Mason (lyrics below)
The patriarchs of old The saints that now are gone To their great reward Held fast to the struggle Persistent through the years Forging through their fears They fought to change their world For the sake of the gospel May their love for Jesus Never go unnoticed May they spur us on to all That lies before us This heritage of faith This legacy of love We must pass to our daughters Hand down to our sons We must raise the standard high And proclaim the name of Christ That others may know the way And this heritage of faith In my heart I hear the call That echoes from the cross Where the sacrifice for man Was freely rendered It's the call to stand for right Keep the faith and fight the fight
Lavish Mercy 