A Lament for our Nation
By Executive Presbyter, Rev. Joey Lee
On this Epiphany, when we join the Magi in paying homage to the Word made flesh, I lament the state of our Union. My heart aches for what has transpired in our nation’s capital. For over 240 years this nation has been a beacon for the peaceful transition of power. We watched in horror as other nations ignored or thwarted the will of the people, and now we watch in horror as events unfold here.
I cannot help but note the difference in law enforcement response and preparedness from events today and recent racial justice protests. I hope there will be more scrutiny and analysis of what transpired, and the words used to describe those involved.
I confess my own lack of wisdom and compassion. I confess that I do not know every detail or know completely the hearts and motives of others. And I confess that they are still my siblings, and also created in the image of God.
So I invite you to join me in prayer. For our nation, for our elected leaders, and for each other. We do not know how events will continue to unfold, but we do pray for safety for those in harm’s way, an end to anger and violence, and courage for those entrusted to care for this nation.
May these words of the Psalmist also be our prayer.
Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!