Releasing Fear

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Matthew 10:24-39 CLASSIC POEM: Song: “Fear no more the heat o’ the sun” William Shakespeare Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Nor the furious winter’s rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages: Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust. Fear no more the frown o’ the great; Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke; Care no more to clothe and eat; To thee the reed is as the oak: The scepter, learning, physic, must All follow this, and come to dust. Fear no more the lightning flash, Nor the all-dreaded thunder stone; Fear not slander, censure rash; Thou hast finished joy and moan: All lovers young, all lovers must Consign to thee, and come to dust. No exorciser harm thee! Nor no witchcraft charm thee! Ghost unlaid forbear thee! Nothing ill come near thee! Quiet consummation have; And renownèd be thy grave! *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: I Give You Back Joy Harjo SNIPPET: I release you, my beautiful and terrible fear. I release you. You were my beloved and hated twin, but now, I don’t know you as myself. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]