"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 12 November 2016 “My Lord, What a Morning” (African American Spiritual, ELW 438)
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“My Lord, What a Morning” (African American Spiritual, ELW 438)
Refrain
My Lord, what a morning;
my Lord, what a morning;
oh, my Lord, what a morning,
when the stars begin to fall.
1. You will hear the trumpet sound,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall
Refrain
My Lord, what a morning;
my Lord, what a morning;
oh, my Lord, what a morning,
when the stars begin to fall.
2. You will hear the sinner cry,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall.
Refrain
My Lord, what a morning;
my Lord, what a morning;
oh, my Lord, what a morning,
when the stars begin to fall.
3. You will hear the Christian shout,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall.
Refrain
My Lord, what a morning;
my Lord, what a morning;
oh, my Lord, what a morning,
when the stars begin to fall.
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Spirituals, including today's hymn, voice slavery's cruelty and hope for deliverance. They often contain double meanings, such as "mourning" over oppression and Christ's new "morning." Does "wake the nations underground" refer to revealing the Underground Railroad, to Americans challenging racism or to future judgment? Does this spiritual signify the Civil War Union Army's bugles and fallen Confederate flags' stars?
Despite uncertain double meanings, spirituals' themes of sorrow and hope address our painful schisms. Sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois wrote, "Through all the sorrow of the Sorrow Songs there breathes a hope--a faith in the ultimate justice of things... Sometimes it is faith in life, sometimes a faith in death, sometimes assurance of boundless justice in some fair world beyond. But whichever it is, the meaning is always clear: that sometime, somewhere, men will judge men by their souls and not by their skins. Is such hope justified?" (Souls of Black Folk, 188)
Ever-present God, hallelujah! We are grateful you both suffer with us and bring us hope. Forgive us when we unfairly judge each other. Empower us to seek justice for all of your children. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Partner Engagement, Redeemer Center for Life & Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis; Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work, Augsburg College, Minneapolis
-------Despite uncertain double meanings, spirituals' themes of sorrow and hope address our painful schisms. Sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois wrote, "Through all the sorrow of the Sorrow Songs there breathes a hope--a faith in the ultimate justice of things... Sometimes it is faith in life, sometimes a faith in death, sometimes assurance of boundless justice in some fair world beyond. But whichever it is, the meaning is always clear: that sometime, somewhere, men will judge men by their souls and not by their skins. Is such hope justified?" (Souls of Black Folk, 188)
Ever-present God, hallelujah! We are grateful you both suffer with us and bring us hope. Forgive us when we unfairly judge each other. Empower us to seek justice for all of your children. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Partner Engagement, Redeemer Center for Life & Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis; Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work, Augsburg College, Minneapolis
"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Friday, 11 November 2016 with Scripture Luke 21:5-19
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Luke 21:5 As some people were remarking about the Temple, how beautiful its stonework and memorial decorations were, he said, 6 “The time is coming when what you see here will be totally destroyed — not a single stone will be left standing!” 7 They asked him, “Rabbi, if this is so, when will these events take place? And what sign will show that they are about to happen?” 8 He answered, “Watch out! Don’t be fooled! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ Don’t go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and revolutions, don’t panic. For these things must happen first, but the end will not follow immediately.”
10 Then he told them, “Peoples will fight each other, nations will fight each other, 11 there will be great earthquakes, there will be epidemics and famines in various places, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from Heaven. 12 But before all this, they will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons; and you will be brought before kings and governors. This will all be on account of me, 13 but it will prove an opportunity for you to bear witness. 14 So make up your minds not to worry, rehearsing your defense beforehand; 15 for I myself will give you an eloquence and a wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or refute. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends; some of you they will have put to death; 17 and everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 By standing firm you will save your lives.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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Today is Veterans Day. Veterans deeply understand "wars and insurrections" (verse 9). They know "nation will rise against nation" (verse 10). Veterans have served in terrifying, life-altering situations to seek justice, strive for the common good and bring peace. We are thankful for their service and for their families' sacrifices. Now we must serve our veterans and their families to meet their needs for healing.
As we strive for righteous healing, we must confess that in the U.S. we have not treated all veterans equitably and justly. After World War II, veterans who were black, including the Tuskegee Airmen, did not receive equitable GI benefits for home ownership. Colleges unwilling to accept people of color significantly restricted the educational opportunities available to many veterans. Veterans who were American Indians, including the Navajo Code Talkers, faced prevalent discrimination and voting restrictions. Does our society's call to reconciliation require recognition, repentance and reparation?
"Eternal Father, strong to save," (The Naval Hymn, ELW 756) whether on the battlefield or the home front, whether in military service or in civilian vocations, we give you thanks for being with us. Help our society as a whole and each of us as individuals to recognize clearly and publicly the ways we have treated each other unjustly. Guide us to repent of our hurtful ways and intentionally change. Show us what we must do to reconcile with each other and, together, be the bearers of your righteous healing. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Partner Engagement, Redeemer Center for Life & Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis; Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work, Augsburg College, Minneapolis
Luke 21:5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,
6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"
8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them.
9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately."
10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.
13 This will give you an opportunity to testify.
14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;
15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
17 You will be hated by all because of my name.
18 But not a hair of your head will perish.
19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.[New Revised Standard Version]
-------As we strive for righteous healing, we must confess that in the U.S. we have not treated all veterans equitably and justly. After World War II, veterans who were black, including the Tuskegee Airmen, did not receive equitable GI benefits for home ownership. Colleges unwilling to accept people of color significantly restricted the educational opportunities available to many veterans. Veterans who were American Indians, including the Navajo Code Talkers, faced prevalent discrimination and voting restrictions. Does our society's call to reconciliation require recognition, repentance and reparation?
"Eternal Father, strong to save," (The Naval Hymn, ELW 756) whether on the battlefield or the home front, whether in military service or in civilian vocations, we give you thanks for being with us. Help our society as a whole and each of us as individuals to recognize clearly and publicly the ways we have treated each other unjustly. Guide us to repent of our hurtful ways and intentionally change. Show us what we must do to reconcile with each other and, together, be the bearers of your righteous healing. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Partner Engagement, Redeemer Center for Life & Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis; Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work, Augsburg College, Minneapolis
Luke 21:5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,
6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"
8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them.
9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately."
10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.
13 This will give you an opportunity to testify.
14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;
15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
17 You will be hated by all because of my name.
18 But not a hair of your head will perish.
19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.[New Revised Standard Version]
"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" by John B. Dykes, 1823-1876
1. Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bade the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
oh hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
2. O Savior, whose almighty word
the winds and waves submissive heard,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid its rage didst sleep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
3. O Holy Spirit, who didst brood
upon the chaos wild and rude,
and bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
4. O Trinity of love and pow;r,
all trav'lers guard in danger's hour
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe'er they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns and praise from land and sea.
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