Pacific Currents - January 2009

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

by Rev. Dr. Mary Susan Gast, Conference Minister, January 6, 2009

In the season of Epiphany we celebrate the manifestation of God in our lives, the Light of the World breaking through the shadows and gloom, the Wise Ones coming from the ends of the earth to bring homage to the Prince of Peace.

Verses from Psalm 72 are traditionally read on January 6, when the season begins. In ancient Israel this was the psalm for the anointing of a king. Christians have seen in it the promised reign of Christ. And each year it expresses our contemporary hopes for the manifestation of justice in our government, the outbreak of compassion across our land, and the wise ones of all nations placing themselves in the service of reconciliation and peace.

PSALM 72: 1-7, 10-14

Endow our ruler with Your justice, O God,
And to all who will govern,
Give Your ability and desire
      to provide for the well-being of the people,
That all Your people may be kept secure,
And Your lowly ones provided with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
And the hills, the reward of justice.
May the cause of the poor be defended,
Deliverance given to the needy,
And oppression crushed,
As long as the sun endures,
While the moon lasts,
Through all generations.
May those who rule be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth.
May well-being flourish and peace abound,
      until the moon is no more.
May distant lands and the far islands render tribute, and bring gifts,
Offering themselves to justice and righteousness,
And placing themselves in the service of justice and peace.

The just ruler rescues the needy when they cry out,
Liberates the poor and those who have no helper.
With compassion, the lives of the weak and the needy are restored,
Their lives delivered from oppression and violence,
Their blood deemed too precious to be shed.

Redemption Songs, A 21st Century Descant on the Psalms

Blessings of the new year and of the Epiphany to you all,

                                                                                                        ~ Mary Susan