Whatever is Foreseen

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This resource relating to Galatians 6:1-16 provides a poem by Frances E. W. Harper (1825-1911) highlighting a shared suffering caused by societal injustice and a poem by Wendell Berry emphasizing the importance of work and rest.
Paid Resource: 
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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: Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 CLASSIC POEM: The Burdens of All Frances Ellen Watkins Harper We may sigh o’er the heavy burdens Of the black, the brown and white; But if we all clasped hands together The burdens would be more light. How to solve life’s saddest problems, Its weariness, want and woe, Was answered by One who suffered In Palestine long ago. He gave from his heart this precept, To ease the burdens of men, “As ye would that others do to you Do ye even so to them.” Life’s heavy, wearisome burdens Will change to a gracious trust When men shall learn in the light of God To be merciful and just. Where war has sharpened his weapons, And slavery masterful had, Let white and black and brown unite To build the kingdom of God. And never attempt in madness To build a kingdom or state, Through greed of gold or lust of power, On the crumbling stones of hate. The burdens will always he heavy, The sunshine fade into night, Till mercy and justice shall cement The black, the brown and the white. And earth shall answer with gladness, The herald angel’s refrain, When “Peace on earth, good will to men” Was the burden of their strain. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Whatever Is Foreseen Wendell Berry SNIPPET: Whatever is foreseen in joy Must be lived out from day to day. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Frances E. W. Harper
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Wendell Berry
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Key Scriptures: 
Galatians 6:1-16
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year C Proper 9 (Ordinary Time 14)
Date: 
Tuesday, June 28, 2022