Descriptor:
This resource relating to Micah 3:5-12 provides a poem by James Corrothers (1869-1917) highlighting the oppression of African Americans and a poem by Ross Gay highlighting the impactful life of a black man killed by police.
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Lectionary:
Revised Common Lectionary
Source:
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth:
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Audio/Video:
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Full Text:
*** Revised Common Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading:
Micah 3:5-12
CLASSIC POEM:
At the Closed Gates of Justice
James Corrothers
To be a Negro in a day like this
Demands forgiveness. Bruised with blow on blow,
Betrayed, like him whose woe dimmed eyes gave bliss
Still must one succor those who brought one low,
To be a Negro in a day like this.
To be a Negro in a day like this
Demands rare patience—patience that can wait
In utter darkness. ’Tis the path to miss,
And knock, unheeded, at an iron gate,
To be a Negro in a day like this.
To be a Negro in a day like this
Demands strange loyalty. We serve a flag
Which is to us white freedom’s emphasis.
Ah! one must love when Truth and Justice lag,
To be a Negro in a day like this.
To be a Negro in a day like this—
Alas! Lord God, what evil have we done?
Still shines the gate, all gold and amethyst,
But I pass by, the glorious goal unwon,
“Merely a Negro”—in a day like this!
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
A Small Needful Fact
Ross Gay
SNIPPET:
Is that Eric Garner worked
for some time for the Parks and Rec.
…
[ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Content Type:
Key Scriptures:
Micah 3:5-12
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Non English Resource:
RCL Lectionary Week:
Year A Proper 26 (Ordinary Time 31)
Date:
Monday, October 30, 2023