Prayer for the Inauguration

As we prepare for the next presidential administration let us pray:

Prayer for the Inauguration:

God, bless this country as we mark a new administration. 

Some are jubilant,some in anguish, and we all seek direction and your guidance in restoring the bonds of community  and the will towards the Common Good as we move forward.Help us all to commit to peaceful gatherings and celebrations, To deep reflection, and to respectful dialogues

During this transition of government in the U.S., so our country can begin to heal from division and distrust and so we may begin to find our way toward a truly just and peaceful society. God, bless all newly elected and newly appointed officials: 

Guide them to consider the sacred inalienable rights of every person As they deliberate and decide on policies and programs that will touch so many lives in these states which so need to be united once again in common purpose: 

That every person in this land is recognized as created equal, and that in order to form a more perfect union, we must, as our Constitution directs us, establish justice,promote domestic tranquility, and the general welfare of the entire community, In order to secure Your blessings on this land and on all who live here. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen. 

- Jane Deren, Ph.D. Education for Justice:

Baptism of the Lord

 Today the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. A friend shared this with me for reflection.

Epiphany

 

Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Tradition holds that they were known by the names Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

We often sing one of my favorite Christmas carols today – We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still  proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high.

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.

Perhaps today is a good day to spends some time reflecting on the many ways Jesus is made manifest in our daily lives.