Descriptor:
This resource relating to Psalm 85:8-13 provides a poem by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) highlighting a plea for unity and equality and a poem by Mary Oliver (1935-2019) highlighting the gift of gratitude.
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Lectionary:
Revised Common Lectionary
Source:
Englewood Review
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Audio/Video:
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Full Text:
*** Revised Common Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading: Psalm 85:8-13
CLASSIC POEM:
O Southland!
James Weldon Johnson
O SOUTHLAND! O Southland!
Have you not heard the call,
The trumpet blown, the word made known
To the nations, one and all?
The watchword, the hope-word,
Salvation’s present plan?
A gospel new, for all—for you:
Man shall be saved by man.
O Southland! O Southland!
Do you not hear to-day
The mighty beat of onward feet,
And know you not their way?
’Tis forward, ’tis upward,
On to the fair white arch
Of Freedom’s dome, and there is room
For each man who would march.
O Southland, fair Southland!
Then why do you still cling
To an idle age and a musty page,
To a dead and useless thing?
’Tis springtime! ’Tis work-time!
The world is young again!
And God’s above, and God is love,
And men are only men.
O Southland! my Southland!
O birthland! do not shirk
The toilsome task, nor respite ask,
But gird you for the work.
Remember, remember
That weakness stalks in pride;
That he is strong who helps along
The faint one at his side.
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
The Gift
Mary Oliver
SNIPPET:
Be still, my soul, and steadfast.
Earth and heaven both are still watching
…
[ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Content Type:
Key Scriptures:
Psalm 85:8-13
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RCL Lectionary Week:
Year A Proper 14 (Ordinary Time 19)
Date:
Monday, August 7, 2023